Charismatic Edin Terzic is a perfect and realistic choice for West Ham but Graham Potter might be a better fit should Julen Lopetegui be sacked.
That’s according to a top Sky Sports football expert analyst amid fresh speculation over Julen Lopetegui’s future as West Ham boss.
The Spaniard has received a dreaded ‘vote of confidence’ from the Hammers hierarchy in the wake of the 4-1 defeat at Spurs.
It was the latest in a string of poor performances and results since Lopetegui arrived at West Ham.
Yesterday Lopetegui pleaded to be judged in May by majority owner David Sullivan.
But West Ham’s hopes of qualifying for Europe already look bleak and the club’s form is more akin to a side that will be battling relegation.
West Ham have won just eight games from 35 in all competitions in 2024.
In the 10 of those managed by Lopetegui, three have been wins. Two Hammers victories have come in the Premier League while the other was against Bournemouth in the Carabao Cup.
It has been noted by fans and journalists that the Hammers were extremely fortunate to beat both Palace in the league and Bournemouth.
That cup win was also rendered meaningless when West Ham were dumped out in the next round 5-1 by Liverpool for the second season running.
That embarrassing capitulation has been no one off, either. West Ham surrendered all too easily in 3-0 and 4-1 defeats to London rivals Chelsea and Spurs.
Some believe Lopetegui deserves more time after the club’s summer rebuid.
Others point to new managers in similar positions at rival clubs making an immediate and positive impact.
Edin Terzic on standby for West Ham job claims journalist
There has also been concern at West Ham about Lopetegui clashing with star players such as Mohammed Kudus and Edson Alvarez.
Lucas Paqueta has also been seen shaking his head at the manager when substituted.
With that as background it is hardly surprising Lopetegui finds himself under pressure.
News emerged from Germany today that Sullivan has put a former Hammers coach on standby.
It’s been claimed out of work Edin Terzic, last seen leading Borussia Dortmund to the Champions League final at the end of last season, is highly regarded in the West Ham boardroom.
Other names have also been linked as potential Lopetegui replacements.
Many of them are names – like Terzic – who were on the shortlist alongside the 57-year-old in the summer. Including Graham Potter.
Former Hammers skipper Nigel Reo-Coker thinks West Ham missed a trick not hiring Potter and made the ‘wrong choice’ in Lopetegui.
Pundit Darren Bent recently stated he thinks Potter may be waiting for the West Ham job.
The ex Brighton boss is still out of work more than one year since being sacked by Chelsea.
Potter has been on a media charm offensive of late, saying he is now looking for a new club job.
Now a top Sky Sports expert has said charismatic Terzic is perfect for West Ham but Potter might be a better fit.
What Dougie Critchley doesn’t know about European football probably isn’t worth knowing.
The analyst took to X to share his feelings on the West Ham managerial situation after what he heard about Terzic.
Charismatic Terzic perfect for West Ham but Potter less risk?
“Edin Terzic being strongly linked with West Ham by (Sky Sports Germany journalist) Florian Plettenberg,” Cricthley said.
“Lost (Jude) Bellingham during his time at Dortmund, and took over a side that were about to lose (Erling) Haaland and (Manuel) Akanji… and yet nearly won the League (flopped on the final day) and reached a Champions League final.
“But domestically 23/24 was a huge disappointment. Lowest points and goals tallies since 2017/18. Coaching Dortmund, his childhood team, was incredibly emotional for him… I’ll never forget the crowd’s reaction on the final day of 22/23.
“Charismatic and friendly, great at forming a connection with fans/media.
“He’s coached at West Ham before and is one of the more realistic and enticing options amongst those available… but I wonder whether Graham Potter carries less risk. Thoughts Hammers fans?”
Critchley makes some salient points.
Right now, most West Ham fans would probably welcome either.
But the existing connection with Terzic and his achievements with Dortmund – albeit being nearly men – are attractive.
Key factors in Terzic’s favour over Potter for Hammers
There are also some key factors which would likely see Terzic favoured by the West Ham board over Potter.
Both are free agents which ticks a big box for Sullivan.
Terzic retains a good relationship with Hammers sporting director Mark Noble.
And there is also the German factor to consider with West Ham’s technical director Tim Steidten widely reported to have been keen to hire a compatriot ahead of Lopetegui.
It should also be noted that, according to Sport Bild, Terzic was actually approached by West Ham before Lopetegui.
But he rejected the chance to replace David Moyes.
Indications are this time he might give a different answer.
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