West Ham Parts Ways with Head Coach Julen Lopetegui After Turbulent Eight Months

Julen Lopetegui Sacked: West Ham’s Search for New Head Coach Begins

West Ham United have dismissed head coach Julen Lopetegui after less than eight months in charge. Appointed in May 2024 to succeed David Moyes, Lopetegui’s tenure saw the team win only six out of 20 Premier League matches, leaving them 14th in the league, seven points above the relegation zone.

The club’s statement cited that the first half of the 2024/25 season did not align with their ambitions, leading to the decision to part ways with Lopetegui and his backroom staff.

Reports indicate that former Chelsea and Brighton manager Graham Potter is in advanced talks to take over the managerial position. Potter, who has been out of work since leaving Chelsea in April 2023, is expected to be appointed before West Ham’s upcoming FA Cup third-round match against Aston Villa.

Lopetegui’s departure follows a series of disappointing results, including a 4-1 defeat to Manchester City in his final match. Additionally, there were reports of internal conflicts, with several players expressing dissatisfaction with his management, which may have contributed to the club’s decision.

West Ham’s leadership has initiated the process of appointing a new head coach, aiming to realign the team’s performance with the club’s objectives for the remainder of the season.