Lopetegui camp furious with Steidten conduct at West Ham

Julen Lopetegui's camp is unhappy with Tim Steidten's conduct as the head coach nears a West Ham exit, according to The Guardian.

The newspaper reports via its website [7 January] that the technical director has been heavily involved in the search for a new manager, with Graham Potter seemingly leading the race [The Times].

Sources have stated the pair's trust has broken down over the last few weeks, with Steidten reportedly being asked to stay away from the training ground [The Telegraph], though this has been denied by the club.

Julen Lopetegui and Tim Steidten drama emerges at West Ham

The rumours of Steidten's involvement in Lopetegui's downfall have been circulating for quite a while, with the technical director becoming somewhat of an enemy figure at the London Stadium.

He has been criticised a lot lately, with fans aiming some of the blame at him as well as Lopetegui.

His relationship with David Moyes was far from ideal before the Scot parted ways with the Irons in the summer, even being asked to stay away from the training ground and dressing room then, too [Daily Mail].

There appears to be a trend with Steidten and managers at the London Stadium, clearly acting up when others do not see eye-to-eye with him, which is just causing more drama for the hierarchy.

While the technical director was praised for some of his signings during the summer transfer window, he has now been called out as "pathetic" by legend Tony Cottee.

Of course, Lopetegui has no one else to blame but himself for the team's performances on the pitch, with the high calibre of players enough to be soaring up the table, but this battle certainly will not be helping.

Once Lopetegui's current situation has been fixed, likely with Potter taking over, Steidten's work ethic and ability to get on with coworkers should be looked at in-depth by the club's hierarchy.

In other West Ham news, two different names have emerged as managerial talks with Graham Potter stall.

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.