West Ham United have made a decisive managerial change, parting ways with head coach Julen Lopetegui following a catastrophic run of results. Former Chelsea manager Graham Potter has been lined up as his replacement at the London Stadium.
The decision comes after two crushing Premier League defeats against Manchester City and Liverpool, where the Hammers shipped nine goals while only finding the net once. Despite a massive summer investment of £130 million ($162.5m), the club has endured a torrid 2024-25 campaign, managing just six wins in 20 matches. Their poor form has left them dangerously close to the relegation battle, with only a seven-point cushion above the drop zone.
Graham Potter has emerged as the chosen candidate to steer the club forward. The English tactician has been out of management since his departure from Chelsea in April 2023, where he had a brief seven-month spell. His appointment represents an opportunity for redemption following his challenging stint at Stamford Bridge, with West Ham hoping to tap into the tactical acumen he demonstrated during his successful tenure at Brighton.
Lopetegui's brief spell at West Ham proved underwhelming, with the former Spain and Real Madrid manager recording just seven wins in 22 games, alongside five draws and ten defeats. His win percentage of 31.82 represents the second-lowest of his managerial career, falling well short of expectations.
In an official statement, the club announced: "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. 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."
Potter is set to make his managerial debut for West Ham this Friday in an FA Cup third-round fixture against Aston Villa at Villa Park. The Hammers enter this new chapter having won just one of their last five matches across all competitions, desperately seeking a revival under their incoming manager.
