Julen Lopetegui sacked: ‘Bombshell’ West Ham news drops live from Rush Green
Julen Lopetegui was still at Rush Green when West Ham United announced his sacking, according to Sky Sports News.
The Irons released a statement announcing the Spanish tactician’s sacking at 3:15 pm on Wednesday (8 January), while Jeremy Langdon of Sky Sports provided a live update outside Rush Green.
In a clip shared on X six minutes after the news emerged, Langdon revealed that he had not been able to get a glimpse of Lopetegui as the manager was still inside the training facility after overseeing a session in the morning.
“West Ham have just released this statement about Julen Lopetegui, who actually is still inside”, Langdon said on Sky Sports News (8 January).
“He was taking training again today. He hasn’t left, we’re hoping to catch him before he does leave.”
Langdon pointed out that there is no mention of Graham Potter in West Ham’s statement, although he is mooted to sign a contract at the London Stadium imminently [Fabrizio Romano].
“No mention of Graham Potter, but Julen Lopetegui has tonight left West Ham after [earning just] eight points from the last eight games and only seven wins from 22 in his time here at the Hammers.
“Bombshell news, but only confirming what we’ve been hearing the last few days – Lopetegui on his way out of West Ham.”
West Ham United sack Julen Lopetegui, Graham Potter incoming
West Ham hoped Lopetegui would take them to greater heights when they named him as David Moyes’ replacement ahead of the season and even allowed him to spend over £100million on new signings.
However, the managerial hire backfired as the Hammers found themselves sitting 14th in the Premier League after 20 games. Only seven points separate them from the relegation zone.
Therefore, David Sullivan, who had been reluctant to sack Lopetegui, was left with no choice but to pull the plug on him.
Meanwhile, it is increasingly likely that Potter will be charge of the East London for their FA Cup clash with Aston Villa at Villa Park on Friday, 9 January.
The Irons previously wanted to hire Potter on a short-term deal until the end of the season, but they have accepted his demand for a longer contract [The Guardian].
The former Chelsea boss is expected to put pen to paper on a contract until 2027 imminently.
In other West Ham news, a recruitment drive is underway behind the scenes with a swoop for this Championship star in the pipeline.
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