What had already become apparent in the past few days is now official: West Ham is dismissing coach Julen Lopetegui after just half a year.
West Ham’s technical director, Tim Steidten, had surely imagined the effect of his first coaching change differently: Under Julen Lopetegui, who was signed in the summer, the Hammers only managed six wins in 20 league games. Therefore, the Spaniard and West Ham will part ways again on Wednesday.
“West Ham United has confirmed that head coach Julen Lopetegui left the club today. The first half of the 2024/25 season did not meet the club’s ambitions and the club has therefore taken action in line with its objectives,” the club said in a statement.
Lopetegui was already on the verge of being fired in December, but a run of eight points from four games (2-1 win against Wolves, 1-1 draw in Bournemouth, 1-1 draw against Brighton, 1-0 win at Southampton) postponed the decision. But after the heavy defeats against Liverpool (0-5) and ManCity (1-4), the London-based bosses pulled the plug.
Potter take over?
In addition to the lack of success, the relationship with Steidten is also said to have played a role in the separation. According to media reports, the relationship between Steidten and the coach was strained. Most recently, the technical director stayed away from the training ground at Lopetegui’s request, among other things.
The Hammers already have their eye on a possible successor: Graham Potter, who has been unemployed since being sacked by Chelsea in April 2023, is said to be the favorite. The most important task for the new coach will be defense – West Ham conceded the fourth-most goals in the league. Nevertheless, the gap to the relegation places is not yet worrying: the Londoners have a seven-point lead over the first relegation place, which is held by Ipswich.
