Graham Potter update emerges at West Ham United as Julen Lopetegui exit mooted
Graham Potter may be a candidate to replace Julen Lopetegui at West Ham United, according to Sami Mokbel.
The Daily Mail journalist reported on Thursday (7 November) that the Hammers boss is under growing pressure at the London Stadium after a poor start to the Premier League campaign in East London.
There are some reservations over who could step in to replace the former Real Madrid boss in the Irons’ dugout, but former Chelsea and Brighton boss Potter could be a potential candidate to fill the void.
While reports have suggested a defeat to Everton will see the Irons review Lopetegui’s position [Guardian, 6 November], sources close to David Sullivan have denied that is the case and insisted the Spaniard will not be sacked [Jim White, 7 November].
Will West Ham sack Julen Lopetegui amid London Stadium exit speculation?
On the face of it, Potter seems like the right fit to step in and take over the reins at the London Stadium.
The former Chelsea manager may not have been a success at Stamford Bridge, but he is incredibly well thought of in the footballing world having impressed during spells on the South Coast with Brighton and even abroad earlier in his career.
Potter tends to play a more attacking brand of football than Lopetegui, something supporters were desperate to see after David Moyes’ departure earlier this summer, so his appointment would at least appease the fanbase.
Partner that with the fact that any deal to bring the Englishman to East London won’t require any sort of compensation fee or settlement and it does seem to fit the bill of what West Ham would be looking for in a Lopetegui replacement.
Ultimately, no real shortlist will be produced until a final decision is taken on Lopetegui’s future and that doesn’t appear to be imminent.
In other West Ham news, the Hammers have pinpointed a Premier League forward as their new primary striker target
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