The Premier League has witnessed a first casualty of 2025 after West Ham United confirmed the sacking of Julen Lopetegui after just six months in charge, with negotiations underway for former Chelsea manager, Graham Potter, to succeed him.
58-year-old Lopetegui was appointed in the summer following the departure of David Moyes, but the club managed just six wins in the Premier League during the former Spain and Real Madrid coach’s tenure.
According to a statement by the Hammers: “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.”
West Ham added in the statement, “The board would like to thank Julen and his staff for their hard work during their time with the Hammers and wish them every success for the future,” the club’s statement added. The process of appointing a replacement is under way.”
The club have also parted company with Lopetegui’s backroom staff, including his assistant Pablo Sanz, head of performance Oscar Caro, head analyst Juan Vicente Peinado, fitness coach Borja De Alba and technical coach Edu Rubio.
West Ham have held talks with former Chelsea and Brighton boss, Potter, about taking the role, initially on a short-term deal. Other candidates such as former AC Milan boss, Paulo Fonseca, and ex-Paris St-Germain gaffer, Christophe Galtier, have also been approached by the Hammers.
West Ham’s next game is an FA Cup third-round tie at Aston Villa on Friday.