West Ham United has decided to part ways with manager Julen Lopetegui, as reported by talkSPORT.
The Spanish coach joined the Hammers last summer as the successor to David Moyes, but he is now set for a quick exit with the team sitting 14th in the Premier League standings.
Lopetegui has faced mounting pressure in recent weeks due to the team’s lackluster performance, with only six wins from their 20 league games.
A significant 4-1 loss to Manchester City on Saturday appears to be the final straw, with the club expected to announce Lopetegui’s departure shortly.
Former Chelsea manager Graham Potter is currently in discussions to take over, and he is the leading candidate for the position.
Potter has been without a job since leaving Chelsea in April 2023, following a successful tenure at Brighton.
The specifics of his contract remain unclear, but reports suggest he is open to joining the club initially until the end of the season.
talkSPORT previously reported that former Juventus manager Max Allegri was also in talks with West Ham.
However, it seems as though Potter is on track to make a return to management with an appointment at West Ham.
Additionally, sporting director Tim Steidten’s future at West Ham is uncertain.
Reports indicate that Steidten is avoiding the training ground following a breakdown in his relationship with Lopetegui.
West Ham invested around £130 million on nine new players during the past transfer window but has endured nine defeats in their 20 Premier League outings this season.
In comments made to talkSPORT regarding Lopetegui’s likely sacking, West Ham legend Tony Cottee expressed disappointment, stating: “They should hang their heads in shame.”
“Tim Steidten, the board, it’s a pathetic appointment from the start and I can’t comprehend their decisions at times. West Ham is my club, but it was simply the wrong appointment.”
“While Lopetegui can be blamed… Tim Steidten is the director of football, and David Sullivan oversees the club. They must take responsibility and stop making these foolish mistakes.”
“If you dismiss one of West Ham’s most successful managers in terms of trophies, you must ensure the next appointment is the right one.”
Although the team enjoyed an unbeaten run of four matches, including two wins, over the festive period, they have recently suffered back-to-back defeats in the Premier League, with the City loss following a 5-0 drubbing by Liverpool.
Despite being seven points clear of the relegation zone, the club’s hierarchy is determined to make a change now.
A push for European qualification in the second half of the season seems increasingly unlikely.
This would mark a second successive season without European football, just two years after winning the UEFA Conference League.
West Ham’s prospects for success ahead of the summer have also been hampered by Jarrod Bowen’s recent injury.
The club captain was substituted during their home defeat to Liverpool and is now dealing with a fractured foot.
Bowen is expected to be sidelined for six to eight weeks, potentially ruling him out until early March.
West Ham’s next challenge is against Aston Villa in the FA Cup third round on Friday night, live on talkSPORT.
They will then return to Premier League action on January 14 at home against Fulham, followed by another London derby against Crystal Palace.
