Julen Lopetegui received the dreaded ‘vote of confidence’ after West Ham’s defeat at Spurs and now a potential replacement has been put on standby.
Speculation is rife over the position of Julen Lopetegui in the wake of West Ham’s thrashing at Tottenham.
It means Lopetegui has won just twice in the Premier League so far – against Ipswich and Palace.
And it has not been lost on observers that West Ham were rather fortunate to beat Palace on the day too.
West Ham fans have left early in their thousands in four of Lopetegui’s 10 games so far.
There are major concerns among supporters that there has been no improvement in the style of play or results.
After being humbled by Tottenham, speculation has reignited that Lopetegui could be sacked.
West Ham fans are divided when it comes to firing the Spaniard.
Many believe he needs more time to get things in order are a 21-player turnaround in the summer.
Others point to managers at rival clubs who have made an instant impact in similar circumstances.
Sullivan puts ex West Ham coach Terzic on standby
It was revealed yesterday that Lopetegui has pleaded to be judged in May by majority owner David Sullivan.
But West Ham’s hopes of qualifying for Europe already look bleak this season.
And Lopetegui was only signed up on a two-year contract.
West Ham were warned a host of ex players, pundits and journalists that Lopetegui would be the wrong appointment in the summer.
The club pressed ahead with the hire, though.
That decision is being called into question and already other names are being linked with the Hammers helm.
One in particular will be very familiar to West Ham fans.
Because Sullivan has put ex West Ham coach Edin Terzic on standby to replace Lopetegui.
Terzic ‘has a good reputation’ among Hammers hierarchy
That’s according to top Sky Sports Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg.
According to Sport Bild, Terzic was actually approached by West Ham before Lopetegui, but he rejected the chance to replace David Moyes.
He made a name for himself at Borussia Dortmund, leading them to the Champions League final last season with current West Ham striker Niclas Fullkrug up front.
Terzic joined West Ham as assistant to Slaven Bilic in 2015 having worked with him at Besiktas previously.
The 41-year-old was an integral part of the management team and chief tactician West Ham enjoyed one of our best ever Premier League seasons in the memorable Farewell Boleyn campaign.
Now, according to Plettenberg – one of the top sources for football news in Germany – Terzic could get the call from West Ham soon.
And he is open to a new challenge.
West Ham’s owners may have to act soon if they want Terzic, though. Because Plettenberg says AC Milan are considering him too.
“Former BVB coach Edin Terzic is a candidate in case West Ham United decides to replace manager Julen Lopetegui,” Plettenberg said on X.
“The 41-year-old has a good reputation at West Ham, where he worked from 2015-2017 as assistant coach under Slaven Bilic.
“The 41-year-old is open to a new challenge and has also received interest from AC Milan, having already been in contact with their advisor, Zlatan Ibrahimovic.”
West Ham’s Steidten and Noble links to Terzic
The obvious link with Terzic comes through his compatriot – West Ham technical director Tim Steidten.
A few weeks ago a top journalist claimed Steidten did not want Lopetegui and preferred a younger, more innovative candidate instead.
He may end up getting his wish if Plettenberg’s claim is accurate and West Ham’s results don’t improve quickly.
Crucially for West Ham and Sullivan, Terzic is a free agent after leaving Dortmund in the summer.
It is believed Terzic retains a good relationship with Hammers sporting director Mark Noble too.
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