Lopetegui 'surprised' West Ham staff with never-before-seen moment before sack

Julen Lopetegui was full of surprises during his short spell as West Ham head coach before eventually being replaced by Graham Potter.

The Spaniard was under pressure as soon as being announced as David Moyes' successor, with frustrated supporters expecting the owners to hire someone with a different playing style.

Under Moyes, the Hammers conceded far too many goals, with only Luton Town, Burnley and Sheffield United conceding more in the Premier League last term, but that did not stop under new management.

The team drifted further and further down the league table, closer and closer to the relegation battle, and the Irons had no other choice but to pull the trigger on his short-lived job.

He was a much-liked figure around the London Stadium, though. But his team's performances on the pitch were just not good enough to justify him sticking around.

Julen Lopetegui surprises West Ham staff before January sacking

According to the Daily Mail's Ian Ladyman [6 February], the Lopetegui became the first manager in memory to attend an annual dinner hosted by the club’s charity arm without being asked.

The former head coach wanted to buy into the club's traditions and history, which surprised the staff at the London Stadium before lasting just 11 months on the job.

He was eventually replaced by Potter last month, winning just seven of his 22 matches in charge, with David Sullivan being pressured to sack him before even reaching a year in East London.

Graham Potter a much better fit in East London

Attempting to fit into the surroundings, getting to know the individuals better, and being in line with the club's beliefs is all a Premier League team, such as West Ham, can ask for.

Sadly for Lopetegui, he just could not put his efforts off the pitch into the result on the pitch, leading to his inevitable sack just eight months after replacing Moyes during a tough summer.

Potter looks to be a far better fit, and while the points are not yet there to show his talents, the football on display has been far more favourable and the fans are much happier.

It is just a shame that Sullivan had to make such a terrible decision before hiring the right man for the job.