West Ham United have made a bold managerial change, parting ways with head coach Julen Lopetegui with immediate effect. Former Brighton and Chelsea boss Graham Potter is set to replace him, with final contract details reportedly in the final stages.
The club announced Lopetegui’s departure on Wednesday, citing the team’s performance in the first half of the 2024-25 season as falling short of expectations. 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.”
A Rocky Tenure for Lopetegui
Lopetegui’s stint at West Ham lasted just 20 league games and two Carabao Cup ties after taking over from David Moyes earlier this year. While a brief four-game unbeaten run in recent weeks gave the Spaniard some hope, heavy defeats against Liverpool (5-0) and Manchester City (4-1) ultimately sealed his fate.
Despite knowing his dismissal was imminent, Lopetegui continued his duties until the very end, taking training on Tuesday before a scheduled team dinner was canceled. However, his relationship with the club’s technical director, Tim Steidten, had reportedly soured, further complicating matters.
Potter Returns to the Dugout
Graham Potter, who has been out of management since leaving Chelsea in April 2023, is expected to take training on Thursday and oversee Friday’s FA Cup clash against Aston Villa. The 48-year-old initially sought a longer-term commitment from the Hammers, which led to brief negotiations. West Ham eventually agreed to a two-and-a-half-year deal, keeping Potter at the helm until 2027.
Potter’s arrival marks a fresh start for the club as they aim to move further away from the relegation zone, where they currently sit seven points clear.
Steidten’s Position Under Threat
The managerial shake-up may also extend to the boardroom, with Tim Steidten, West Ham’s technical director, facing scrutiny over his transfer decisions. Steidten’s fractured relationship with Lopetegui and his minimal involvement in negotiations for Potter’s appointment suggest that his role at the club is far from secure.
What’s Next for West Ham?
Potter’s first test as West Ham manager will be Friday’s FA Cup tie against Aston Villa, followed by crucial league fixtures against Fulham
