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West Ham United has officially parted ways with head coach Julen Lopetegui after a disappointing tenure lasting just over six months. The decision comes on January 8, 2025, following a string of poor performances that left the club languishing in 14th place in the Premier League, only seven points above the relegation zone. Lopetegui’s time at the London Stadium saw him win only six of his 20 league matches, with his final game resulting in a heavy 4-1 defeat to Manchester City.
Lopetegui was appointed in May 2024, taking over from David Moyes, who had concluded his contract. Despite significant investment in the squad—over £130 million during the summer transfer window—Lopetegui struggled to implement a successful strategy. His side conceded 39 goals in just 20 matches, marking one of the worst defensive records in the league. This alarming trend raised concerns among fans and club officials alike, leading to a precarious position for the manager.
In light of these developments, West Ham is reportedly set to appoint Graham Potter as Lopetegui’s successor. Potter, who has been without a managerial role since his dismissal from Chelsea in April 2023, is expected to bring a fresh approach to the team. Talks between West Ham and Potter have reportedly progressed positively, with an announcement anticipated shortly.
The club’s official statement acknowledged Lopetegui’s contributions but emphasized that the first half of the season did not align with their ambitions. Alongside Lopetegui, several members of his coaching staff have also been relieved of their duties as West Ham seeks to regain its competitive edge ahead of crucial fixtures, including an FA Cup tie against Aston Villa.
