Julen Lopetegui on brink of West Ham sack as David Sullivan makes U-turn
Julen Lopetegui is in serious danger of being sacked by West Ham United if he suffers another heavy defeat against Manchester City on Saturday, according to GiveMeSport.
The outlet reported via their website on 30 December that David Sullivan, who has been reluctant to fire the Spaniard, is quickly running out of patience at the London Stadium.
He has been “extremely frustrated” by how badly Lopetegui’s reign has gone so far, with the Irons’ lack of identity on the pitch leading to major concerns behind the scenes.
Graham Potter, meanwhile, has emerged as the favourite to replace the former Sevilla boss in East London.
David Sullivan to hire Graham Potter at West Ham
Sullivan appointed Lopetegui as David Moyes’ successor against Tim Steidten and Mark Noble‘s wishes in the summer [talkSPORT].
The British businessman has remained patient with the Spanish tactician even as the Hammers struggled to string a run of wins together.
However, it appears he is gradually making a U-turn on his stance on Lopetegui, who is under immense pressure at the London Stadium after losing 5-0 against Liverpool on Sunday, 29 December.
With Potter waiting on the wings, it is surely only a matter of time before the 58-year-old is relieved of his duties.
The most logical thing would be to hand the keys to Potter and allow him to make necessary additions during the January transfer window.
It would not make sense to cling on to Lopetegui and let him make new signings before the inevitable axe falls on him.
It now remains to be seen if the trip to the Etihad Stadium on 4 January will be the final nail in the coffin for him.
In other West Ham news, the Irons have Declan Rice to thank for amid a new £57.2million reveal on Monday, 30 December.
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