West Ham have held a meeting TODAY over Julen Lopetegui's future after key boardroom figures lose faith in him - with the Hammers having already identified four targets to succeed Spaniard
- Graham Potter is among the four candidates seen as possible replacements
- West Ham have held talks over Julen Lopetegui's future as some lose faith in him
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West Ham are in talks today over whether to sack Julen Lopetegui following their dismal start to the season.
Mail Sport revealed on Wednesday that his position was under major scrutiny following Tuesday night’s 3-1 loss at Leicester - the latest blow during the Spaniard’s underwhelming start since being appointed in May.
The Hammers hierarchy have been in discussions this morning as they decide Lopetegui’s future and have given serious consideration to dispensing with their head coach after just seven months in charge.
Crucially, influential figures at the London Stadium have lost faith in Lopetegui and believe his appointment was a mistake.
Graham Potter, it is understood, is a contender to replace Lopetegui. Edin Terzic, Sergio Conceicao, and Kasper Hjulmand also have support at boardroom level.
But the appointment of a new boss with Premier League experience could be a factor as the Hammers decide their priority target should Lopetegui leave, which could work in Potter’s favour.
West Ham are considering sacking Julen Lopetegui are a dismal start to the 2024-25 season
Two consecutive defeats have intensified the scrutiny on Lopetegui, with the Hammers 14th
Graham Potter, Sergio Conceicao, and Edin Terzic have been identified as possible successors
Co-owner David Sullivan has a history of sticking by his managers but Lopetegui is now under huge pressure.
It remains to be seen if he is in charge for Monday’s huge clash against Wolves.
Sections of the supporter base have already turned on Lopetegui, which will not work in his favour.
Lopetegui still took training on Thursday morning.
West Ham’s board have been in discussions since Wednesday over parting ways with Lopetegui, who replaced David Moyes in the summer, and Mail Sport understands those talks are still ongoing with a decision likely to made be later today with Lopetegui due to face the media on Friday afternoon.
Co-owner David Sullivan has always been reluctant to part ways with managers midway through the season but there are serious concerns about the club’s poor start, with just four wins from their first 14 league games, as well as recent fallouts with players.
Mail Sport revealed on Wednesday that Lopetegui was involved in a heated half-time exchange with defender Jean-Clair Todibo during their 5-2 thrashing at home to Arsenal on Saturday.
Todibo made clear his frustrations in the home dressing room after the Hammers conceded five goals in the first half and that escalated into a row with Lopetegui.
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