Julen Lopetegui will be dismissed as West Ham boss today with Graham Potter set to replace him, says David Ornstein.
The Spaniard has endured a difficult time in east London and the club even cancelled a planned press conference ahead of Friday’s FA Cup clash against Aston Villa.
However, Lopetegui did take training as normal on Wednesday morning. Many believe it was so the 58-year-old could say his goodbyes to the players and staff.
Sources close to the Hammers imply that the former Wolves boss has fallen out with a number of key stars at the London Stadium.
Supporters have been disgruntled with Lopetegui’s six month tenure. His apparent lack of vision and failure to install a clear vision for the club has proven costly. Recent Premier League results have been poor, too.
Now, it appears that Potter will take over the reins. The ex-Brighton and Chelsea boss could be appointed within the next 24 hours.
🚨 Julen Lopetegui leading West Ham United training this morning but expected to be relieved of duties subsequently. Talks progressing with Graham Potter – not complete but #WHUFC plan to appoint Englishman as new head catch in next 24 hours @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/sSOlRBduKE
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) January 8, 2025
David Ornstein Says Julen Lopetegui Will Be Replaced By Graham Potter
Football Corespondent for The Athletic David Ornstein posted on his official X account (formerly Twitter) regarding Potter’s impending appointment.
The 49-year-old is the clear front runner to replace Julen Lopetegui and Ornstein explained it’s just a matter of time before it becomes official. In fact, it could happen by Thursday afternoon.
Finer details of his contract still need to be ironed out but both parties are confident of a positive outcome in that respect.
Supporters will be mightily relieved to see Potter take over. It appeared that he was going to fill the void left by David Moyes in the summer.
However, it wasn’t to be and Lopetegui was tasked with moving West Ham forward. That turned out to be a poor decision from the hierarchy who have now gone back to square one.
Potter will likely be in the stands for Friday’s FA Cup 3rd round match against Aston Villa. Ahead of the game, the best football betting sites price the Hammers at 15/4 to progress.
