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West Ham Poised to Sack Julen Lopetegui Amid Poor Results, Graham Potter Lined Up as Replacement

West Ham United are reportedly set to part ways with manager Julen Lopetegui, just eight months after his appointment, with former Chelsea and Brighton boss Graham Potter expected to take over. The decision follows a disappointing run of results and internal tensions at the club.

Lopetegui’s Tenure and Recent Struggles

Lopetegui, who replaced David Moyes in May, has faced increasing pressure after back-to-back heavy defeats to Liverpool and Manchester City over the festive period. The Hammers currently sit 14th in the Premier League, with just eight points from their last eight games.

Despite the speculation, Lopetegui continued preparations for West Ham’s upcoming FA Cup third-round tie against Aston Villa. However, the club cancelled his scheduled press conference for the match, further fueling rumours of his imminent departure.

Internal Tensions at West Ham

The situation at West Ham has been complicated by reports of a rift between Lopetegui and technical director Tim Steidten. The German, who oversaw a £130 million summer spending spree that brought in players like Borussia Dortmund striker Niclas Füllkrug and Wolves captain Max Kilman, has faced scrutiny for the team’s underwhelming performances.

Steidten reportedly wanted to appoint Graham Potter during the summer, a move that may now come to fruition. However, his own position at the club is under question due to the poor return on significant investments.

Graham Potter to Take Over

Graham Potter, 49, is expected to take the reins at West Ham. The former Chelsea and Brighton manager has been out of management for nearly two years after his short-lived tenure at Chelsea, where he was dismissed just seven months into a five-year contract.

Potter is known for his tactical acumen and ability to develop players, attributes that could help revive a West Ham side struggling for consistency. However, he will inherit a squad with significant expectations following their summer overhaul.

A Difficult Transition

The manner in which West Ham have handled Lopetegui’s exit has drawn criticism, with the Spaniard continuing to lead training despite the ongoing search for his successor. The decision to sack Lopetegui less than a year into his tenure highlights the club’s struggles to find stability and direction.

West Ham’s looming managerial change underscores a turbulent period for the club, both on and off the pitch. While Graham Potter’s appointment offers hope for a fresh start, the Hammers will need to address internal tensions and improve results quickly to salvage their season. For Lopetegui, it marks another abrupt end in what has been a challenging managerial journey.

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