Julen Lopetegui could well be sacked by West Ham United chief David Sullivan, if results don’t improve soon.
The problem for Julen Lopetegui is that not only have the results been poor this season, but his West Ham team look completely clueless, devoid of any kind of footballing identity.
It’s very unusual for David Sullivan to sack a manager before the end of his contract, but the lengthy list of proven bosses currently out of work might just get the Hammers co-owner thinking.
There have been calls from the Hammers fans to sack Lopetegui now, and to bring in a manager like Thomas Frank by activating his £9 million release clause.
Jose Mourinho is another name being touted by some West Hams, and he was recently tipped to replace Lopetegui.
Whilst I would love the Brentford boss at the London Stadium, or indeed Mourinho with his box office nature, I just can’t see Sullivan paying that kind of cash for a gaffer during a season, especially when he would have to pay-off Lopetegui as well.
It’s more likely that the 75-year-old will go for a freebie option so to speak.
And if the Hammers fail to beat Everton next weekend, it would not surprise me one little bit to see a managerial change at the London Stadium during the international break.
9 managers David Sullivan would love if Julen Lopetegui is sacked
It’s hardly slim pickings out there now is it!
There are plenty of options for Sullivan, if he does indeed decide to pull the trigger and sack Lopetegui.
Here are nine potential candidates who the Hammers co-owner would undoubtedly be attracted by.
Max Allegri
The 57-year-old has been out of work since leaving Juventus at the end of last season. One of the most tactically astute managers on the planet, and a proven winner to boot.
Maurizio Sarri
The Italian, 65, is well-renowned for getting his teams to play some of the most attractive football that’s ever been witnessed. His Napoli team were sensational, and he got a real tune out of the Chelsea players as well during his stint in England.
Graham Potter
The 49-year-old Englishman has been out of work since being sacked by Chelsea in April 2023. Potter has a reputation within the game of being incredibly versatile – sometimes switching formations and systems during a match at least three times.
Joachim Low
The former Germany national team boss would be a dark horse for the Hammers job, but could he be tempted to give club football a go again for the first time in 20 years? I doubt it.
Xavi
The Spaniard had real success with Barcelona, and deployed a wonderful brand of football during his three-year spell at the Camp Nou. He guided Barca to the La Liga title in the 2022/23 season, but left this summer to be replaced by Hansi Flick.
Sergio Conceicao
The Portuguese is a top-class tactician, and achieved great success with Porto, with three league titles to his name. He proved just how well-versed he is in coaching a team defensively during Porto’s Champions League clashes with Arsenal last season.
Patrick Vieira
Vieira is a free agent, but he isn’t someone West Ham should be considering in my eyes, in spite of his impressive footballing philosophy. He struggled at Crystal Palace remember.
Erik ten Hag
The recently departed ex-Man United manager is damaged goods so to speak, so we should stay well clear. He impressed at Ajax, but his struggles with Man United badly damaged his reputation.
Gareth Southgate
I’m not sure why I even put him on the list (LOL). I would actually prefer to have David Moyes back, and that’s saying something…but he’s available as a free agent, and you never know what Sullivan is thinking!
Quality out there for David Sullivan if he makes sack decision
Out of those managers listed above, I would only be happy with five of them – Allegri, Sarri, Potter, Xavi or Conceicao.
Any of them would be a big upgrade on Lopetegui as far as I’m concerned, both practically and aesthetically speaking.
The sheer volume of free agent managers out there available makes me think that David Sullivan could be more tempted to sack Julen Lopetegui.
That said, the Hammers co-owner will still not be keen to pay off the remainder of the Spaniard’s contract at the London Stadium!
One thing that is painfully clear right now is that Lopetegui is under real pressure. He looked like he was completely lost on the touchline during our defeat to Nottingham Forest, and defeated when he spoke to the press in the aftermath of the game.
If Julen Lopetegui is sacked by David Sullivan before the resumption of Premier League action just after the next international break, West Ham could still salvage the season.
Give me some of that silky Sarri-ball at the London Stadium please!
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