Julen Lopetegui sends message after West Ham sack
Julen Lopetegui has broken his silence after being sacked as the West Ham United head coach on Wednesday.
Hours after the Irons announced their decision to relieve the Spaniard of his duties on 8 January, he took to social media to express his disappointment at not having the opportunity to turn things around in the second half of the season.
The 58-year-old, though, extended his gratitude towards the East London outfit, players and the staff at Rush Green before stressing his admiration towards the club.
“Thank you to West Ham for the opportunity to manage this great club over the past six months”, Lopetegui wrote via his official Instagram account on Wednesday, 8 January.
“We are leaving with a sense of sadness, feeling it was too soon and that we were in position to still achieve our goals, especially after overcoming challenging situations and with a promising entire second half of the Premier League ahead.
“Thank you to the players for their commitment and hard work, and to all the staff at the training ground, who are truly high class.
“You made us feel at home, operating at an extraordinary level, and you will always hold a special place in our hearts.
“Thank you also to the fans, who have shown unwavering support through every high and low.
“I wish West Ham nothing but success in the future—once a Hammer, always a Hammer.”
Julen Lopetegui sack leads to ‘toxic’ West Ham environment
Most fans would have been pleased to read West Ham’s announcement on Wednesday.
While the hierarchy wanted to bring an exciting brand of football to the London Stadium, it was evident from Day One that Lopetegui was not the right man for the task.
It quickly proved true as the former Wolves boss failed to implement a playing style to get the supporters on board.
Meanwhile, tensions with defender Jean-Clair Todibo, as well as technical director Tim Steidten did not help his cause.
According to an anonymous source on The Athletic (8 January), West Ham have been dealing with a “toxic” environment due to Lopetegui’s sacking controversy.
It is worth noting that he oversaw the Hammers’ training session on Wednesday morning before being relieved of his duties that afternoon.
Nevertheless, the spotlight is now on Graham Potter, who has already put pen to paper on a two-and-a-half-year deal until 2027 [Sky Sports].
It remains to be seen if he can replicate his Brighton success in what is his second stint in London after a failed spell at Chelsea.
In other West Ham news, this Irons player is the subject of interest from a Champions League club this window.
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