West Ham announce Lopetegui exit, Potter agrees deal to replace him | OneFootball

West Ham United have announced the departure of manager Julen Lopetegui after less than a season in charge.

The decision had been expected, with Lopetegui’s long-term future making the headlines throughout the season, but the manner of his dismissal from the club will undoubtedly leave a sour taste.

He was still leading training sessions while the club engaged in lengthy talks with his successor.

The Spaniard leaves West Ham no better than when he first arrived, forcing the club to take decisive action to salvage what remains of a horrendous campaign.

The club hierarchy was initially open to giving Lopetegui until the end of the season to sort out the mess.

However, their league position, coupled with his fractured relationship with technical director Tim Steidten, expedited his dismissal.

West Ham struggled for form and consistency under Lopetegui’s leadership, and their performances were largely lethargic, lackadaisical and borderline diabolical.

The former Real Madrid and Spain boss won just seven of his 21 games in charge and rounded off his horrendous spell with a 4-1 defeat against Manchester City – the club’s tenth league loss of the season.

Lopetegui leaves West Ham in 14th place, seven points above the drop zone, and the club have wasted no time lining up his replacement.

Graham Potter could be announced as early as Thursday

West Ham have moved swiftly to secure Lopetegui’s replacement, with Graham Potter set to take the reins as the club’s new manager.

According to The Athletic, the Hammers have reached an agreement with the Englishman, who has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract.

An official announcement could be made today, with Potter set to lead the team for the first time on Friday when West Ham take on Aston Villa in the FA Cup third round.

The 49-year-old will return to the Premier League nearly two years after his unceremonious dismissal from Chelsea in April 2023.

Potter was always West Ham’s first-choice candidate to lead the club for the remainder of the season and beyond.

West Ham fans will hope his appointment marks the start of a new chapter as they look to climb the Premier League table and make a strong cup run.