West Ham Set to Sack Lopetegui and Plead with Graham Potter to Rescue Their Faltering Campaign
Julen Lopetegui’s days as West Ham manager appear numbered as the club intensifies its pursuit of Graham Potter to take the reins. The former Brighton and Chelsea boss, who has been out of work since leaving Chelsea in April 2023, is now deliberating whether to step into the chaos engulfing the London Stadium. Known for his tactical expertise and knack for developing young talent, Potter is seen as West Ham’s last hope to save their crumbling season.
Lopetegui, under mounting pressure after a string of humiliating defeats, remains in charge for now. However, back-to-back drubbings by Liverpool (5-0) and Manchester City (4-1) have pushed him to the brink. Behind the scenes, West Ham’s leadership, led by majority owner David Sullivan, has already held discussions with Potter. The job is his if he wants it. But stepping into this role is no small ask. The club is riddled with issues: a fractured squad, internal power struggles, and a fanbase losing patience.
Behind the Scenes: A Toxic Power Struggle
Tensions between Lopetegui and technical director Tim Steidten have reached breaking point. Steidten, conspicuously absent from the training ground, was reportedly told to stay away by Lopetegui himself. While the club insists Steidten is “focused on transfers,” the reality is a toxic power struggle threatening to derail the season.
Steidten’s position is already under scrutiny following questionable summer signings like Niclas Füllkrug and Maximilian Kilman. For months, he has quietly been searching for a managerial replacement, but options are drying up fast. Sérgio Conceição? Taken by Milan. Edin Terzić? Not interested. Max Allegri? Unlikely due to language barriers. With the clock ticking, West Ham’s hopes now rest squarely on convincing Potter to take charge.
On the Pitch: A Defensive Collapse
The problems on the field are just as dire. Lopetegui’s side has conceded goals at an alarming rate, suffering six Premier League defeats by three or more goals this season. The team’s attacking options have been decimated by injuries: Jarrod Bowen is sidelined for two months with a broken foot, and Michail Antonio is out for the season following a car accident. As a result, the Hammers sit precariously just seven points above the relegation zone. Upcoming fixtures against Fulham and Crystal Palace could determine Lopetegui’s fate.
January Transfers: A Desperate Gamble
Amid the turmoil, Steidten is scrambling to redeem himself in the January transfer market. Potential targets include Brighton’s Evan Ferguson, Wolves’ Hwang Hee-chan, and Chelsea’s Carney Chukwuemeka. However, financial constraints are a significant hurdle. The club’s £130 million summer spending spree has yielded little improvement, leaving the board increasingly involved in transfer decisions. For Steidten, the stakes couldn’t be higher.
The Big Question: Will Potter Take the Job?
The burning question is whether Graham Potter is willing to walk into this storm. West Ham is a club in crisis, with leadership in disarray, a struggling squad, and an alienated fanbase. Potter, cautious about his next move since leaving Chelsea, must decide if this opportunity aligns with his ambitions. If he accepts, he will need more than tactical brilliance to succeed—he’ll need to rebuild trust and inspire a fractured club.
What’s Next for West Ham?
The coming weeks will define West Ham’s season—and possibly their future. With an FA Cup third-round tie against Aston Villa and critical league games against Fulham and Crystal Palace on the horizon, the club must act swiftly. Whether Potter takes the helm or not, decisive action is needed to steady the ship.
Ultimately, West Ham’s survival depends as much on boardroom stability as it does on performances on the pitch. Can they navigate this crisis and find a path forward? Or will they spiral further into chaos? Time will tell, but the stakes have never been higher for the Hammers.