Julen Lopetegui sack: David Sullivan holds crunch talks with new West Ham manager
David Sullivan held talks with Graham Potter on Monday night after West Ham United decided to sack Julen Lopetegui, according to the Guardian.
The newspaper reported on 6 January that having opted to part way with Lopetegui in due course, Sullivan has spoken with Potter over becoming the Irons’ new manager as the 49-year-old weighs up the offer.
With Tim Steidten deciding to stay away from Rush Green following a “further breakdown” with Lopetegui [Telegraph, 6 January], the Spaniard’s time in East London is limited following Sullivan’s decision.
The Hammers are yet to officially announce Lopetegui’s dismissal, but having escaped the sack last month by going on a four-game winning streak, back-to-back thrashings leave him on the brink.
Graham Potter set to be new West Ham United manager
From Lopetegui’s appointment to replace long-serving stalwart – and arguably the Irons’ greatest manager of the modern era – David Moyes, it’s been hard to see the Spaniard being a long-term fix.
Lopetegui’s side have been on the end of heavy defeat after heavy defeat, even before their last two matches ended 5-0 to Liverpool in East London and 4-1 to Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.
The latter result appears to be the straw which has broken the camel’s back when it comes to the 58-year-old’s future, with Lopetegui having escaped the sack on several occasions already this term.
Already, eight of the Hammers’ 20 league matches this term have seen them ship at least three goals, while Liverpool’s 5-0 win at the London Stadium came after they were also 5-1 victors in the EFL Cup.
Potter being appointed as the Spaniard’s replacement could seemingly be announced at any time, and given the way the Englishman propelled Brighton up the table, Irons fans will be salivating.
Lopetegui has been woefully unable to take advantage of the £120million-plus spent in last summer’s transfer window, but in Potter, west Ham may have landed on a manager who can finally make them tick.
In other West Ham news, an out-of-favour Irons star is on the verge of an exit with one club’s directors ready to sanction a deal.
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.