Lopetegui scheduled to take West Ham training this morning despite sack news
West Ham United’s Wednesday training session is still expected to be led by Julen Lopetegui despite his sacking being imminent, according to David Ornstein.
The Athletic journalist posted on X (8 January) to report that despite his pre-match press conference ahead of facing Aston Villa in the FA Cup being cancelled, Lopetegui is still scheduled to lead training.
The Spaniard is likely to hold Wednesday’s session as usual, but with Graham Potter on the brink of being hired as his successor [Jack Rosser, 7 January], Lopetegui is unlikely to be seen at Rush Green again thereafter.
Ornstein said: “West Ham United postpone Julen Lopetegui scheduled news conference today ahead of Friday’s FA Cup tie at Aston Villa.
“Spaniard still scheduled to lead training as things stand but could change amid growing uncertainty over West Ham United position.”
Julen Lopetegui saga looking worse and worse for West Ham
Cancelling their outgoing manager’s press conference while still having him take training at the club is a bizarre decision to make at the London Stadium, with Lopetegui arguably being hung out to try.
Tim Steidten stepping away from Rush Green at Lopetegui’s behest seemed to be the beginning of the end of the 58-year-old, and it looks certain that Wednesday’s session will be his last with the Irons.
It’s remarkable that Lopetegui has clung onto his job for this long given the number of dismal results he’s delivered at the London Stadium, including back-to-back thrashings by Liverpool and Manchester City.
However, those 5-0 and 4-1 defeats seem to have been the straws that have broken the camel’s back in East London, after months and months on end of the board being undecided about where to turn next.
With Potter lined up to succeed Lopetegui though, it appears a long-overdue decision has finally been made, but the Hammers’ handling of the entire saga certainly doesn’t reflect well on their judgement.
In other West Ham news, one forgotten Irons man is ready to depart with an interested club’s directors ready to sanction a deal.
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