OFFICIAL: West Ham part ways with Lopetegui after string of poor results

West Ham United have announced the dismissal of manager Julen Lopetegui after a string of poor results left the club languishing in 14th place in the Premier League.

The decision comes in the wake of heavy defeats to Liverpool (0-5) and Manchester City (4-1), which appear to have been the final straw for the club's hierarchy. Lopetegui, who joined the Hammers in the summer of 2024, leaves the London Stadium after just seven months in charge, having won only seven of his 22 matches at the helm.

The club's board cited the team's underperformance and failure to meet expectations as the primary reasons for the Spaniard's departure. "West Ham United can confirm that Head Coach Julen Lopetegui has today left the Club. 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 club statement read.

Reports suggest that former Chelsea manager Graham Potter is in advanced talks to take over, with the club keen to appoint a new manager before Friday's FA Cup clash with Aston Villa.

The swift action taken by West Ham underscores the pressure on Premier League clubs to maintain their status and compete for European places. As the search for a new manager intensifies, West Ham fans will be hoping for a quick turnaround in fortunes under new leadership.

 

January 8, 2025