West Ham have confirmed the dismissal of first-team manager Julen Lopetegui following heavy defeats to Liverpool and Manchester City.
Julen Lopetegui’s tenure at West Ham has been brought to an abrupt end, with the club confirming on Wednesday that the 58-year-old had been sacked after less than eight months in charge at the London Stadium.
Lopetegui initially joined the Hammers on a two-year deal with an option to extend for a third year, replacing the outgoing David Moyes, but after an underwhelming start to life in the English capital, his contract has been cut short.
The former Real Madrid boss managed just seven wins in 22 matches as West Ham manager, most recently suffering heavy 5-0 and 4-1 defeats to Liverpool and Manchester City, leaving them in 14th place in the Premier League table, just seven points clear of the relegation zone.
Reports suggest that the Hammers are set to appoint Graham Potter in place of the Spaniard, with David Ornstein confirming that the former Chelsea and Brighton boss has agreed to pen a two-and-a-half year deal with the club. Ornstein also revealed that Potter is due to be in the dugout for Friday’s FA Cup third round tie away at Aston Villa.
🚨 West Ham strike agreement with Graham Potter to replace Julen Lopetegui as head coach following Spaniard’s departure today. Englishman to sign 2.5yr contract + take charge of #WHUFC for FA Cup trip to Aston Villa on Friday. W/ @stujames75 @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/T0DP74jtIg
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) January 8, 2025
Julen Lopetegui Sacked: West Ham Statement
The East London outfit confirmed Lopetegui’s sacking in a club statement on Wednesday afternoon.
“West Ham United can confirm that Head Coach Julen Lopetegui has today left the Club,” the statement read.
“The first half of the 2024/25 season has not aligned with the Club’s ambitions and the Club has therefore taken action in line with its objectives.
“The Club can confirm that Assistant Head Coach Pablo Sanz, Head of Performance Oscar Caro, Head Analyst Juan Vicente Peinado, Fitness Coach Borja De Alba and Technical Coach Edu Rubio have also left with immediate effect.
“The Board would like to thank Julen and his staff for their hard work during their time with the Hammers and wish them every success for the future.
“The process of appointing a replacement is underway.
“The Club will be making no further comment at this time.”
West Ham are priced at around 20/1 to be relegated by the UK’s best football betting sites, while a top-half finish is valued at around 6/1.
