Paul Merson fumes at what Tim Steidten did at West Ham before Julen Lopetegui sack. Credit: Sky Sports News / Imago

Lopetegui aftermath: Paul Merson rages at West Ham after what Steidten did

Senior Correspondent AUTHORITY Senior football journalist specialising in refereeing and officiating; former contributor to The Football League Paper, Late Tackle, and the Premier League; University of Derby graduate. FOCUS Refereeing controversies, football finance and governance, PGMOL decisions, and officiating analysis across the Premier League, EFL, and SPFL. THE INSIGHT Harri utilises a network of officiating and industry contacts to deliver verified, expert analysis of refereeing decisions and PGMOL policy. He provides the regulatory clarity behind the controversy to ensure fans get the full picture.

Published on:

11 Jan 2025, 9:10 am

Paul Merson has slammed West Ham after Tim Steidten was photographed with Graham Potter before a change in manager.

Julen Lopetegui was sacked by the Hammers after just 22 games in charge in all competitions, winning just 45 per cent of his matches in charge and leaving the club 14th in the Premier League.

Before David Sullivan finally pulled the trigger, the technical director was spotted meeting with Potter [@WestHamTransfer via X], though it is unknown if the images were new or repurposed to create drama.

Speaking live via Sky Sports News [11 January, 12:37pm], Merson said: "It was poor, having the picture of Potter and the sporting director. These meetings happen, of course, they do, but not in public. You can get away with it in private.

"Don't worry for him [Lopetegui] because he's going to get paid. He knows it will have hurt but he had to stick in there. If he'd just got up and left, he wouldn't have got anything."

Tim Steidten creates drama at West Ham United

Steidten is clearly one of the big problems at the London Stadium, with many believing that the technical director should join Lopetegui out the exit doors.

The German looks to be a source of controversy, having been asked to stay away from Rush Green [The Telegraph], which will sound all too familiar after the same situation arose during David Moyes' tenure.

Obviously, it was only a matter of time before Lopetegui lost his job, with supporters voicing their frustration at their team's performances and results, ever since he replaced Moyes.

West Ham head coach Julen Lopetegui [Credit: Imago]

But with the Spaniard's camp now furious with the technical director's conduct in East London [The Guardian], it appears that the main man in charge was not the only issue.

With Merson now speaking out about the former head coach's treatment before being sacked, much like many people did when the club searched for Moyes' replacement, there's a continuous trend starting to emerge.

In other West Ham news, Serie A giants are unlikely to seal a "difficult" transfer for one of Graham Potter's stars.

For more West Ham news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.

Paul Merson

Julen Lopetegui

Tim Steidten

West Ham