Gareth Southgate mooted as Julen Lopetegui replacement at West Ham United, Chris Sutton reacts
Chris Sutton has reacted after Gareth Southgate was backed to replace Julen Lopetegui as West Ham United manager.
The Hammers boss has come under increased pressure from supporters and pundits alike after the Irons were thrashed 4-1 by Tottenham on Saturday (19 October) in their first game after the international break.
While it is unclear whether or not the Irons will part ways with the Spaniard, BBC Sport pundit Sutton has reacted after one fan suggested either Southgate or Graham Potter could be the next Hammers boss.
Speaking on BBC Radio Five Live’s 606 (19 October, 1:16:50) Sutton said: “What if Lopetegui gets replaced, you think West Ham should make that change do you?”
The fan replied: “I think if it doesn’t go right the next couple of weeks, you look at the likes of Graham Potter.
“I know Gareth Southgate said he was not going to into another job for a year or two but I think all managers, like Tuchel, he just left Bayern Munich and you’d think he’d have a lengthy spell out but he’s back into the England job.
“I think either one of those two would do better than Lopetegui is doing. At Wolves he didn’t have the best time, I know he did well at Sevilla.
“You’d like to get somebody in who has won something, I know Potter hasn’t one anything, but I reckon he’s got a better knowledge of the game and he’d do better at West Ham.”
Sutton responded: “Gareth Southgate and Graham Potter, the possibilities.”
Will West Ham sack Julen Lopetegui at the London Stadium?
While supporters are beginning to lose patience with Lopetegui, it seems unlikely that Southgate would be the man to get the Hammers’ fanbase back onside.
The former England manager has an impressive record during his time in charge of the Three Lions, but he remained a divisive figure among supporters who often questioned his defensive style of play and lack of front-foot football in the biggest games.
Partner that with his less-than-impressive club record and it doesn’t seem as though the former Middlesbrough man would be the right fit to succeed Lopetegui at the London Stadium if he were sacked.
Potter on the other hand would bring an attacking brand of football to East London that fans have been crying out for. If the Irons were to part ways with Lopetegui, he would be near the top of most supporters’ lists as a potential replacement.
For now though, at least, Lopetegui remains in charge.
In other West Ham news, Thomas Frank has been backed to exit Brentford to move to the London Stadium
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