The possibilities are constantly being mooted by different media sources for a new Hammers’ Coach – in the event that both Everton triumph in the ‘El Sackio 2’ London Stadium game on Saturday and David Sullivan then keeping to his word and dismisses Lopetegui. Just yesterday, new candidates arose having been put forward by various rumour factories, journals and ‘inside sources’. Jose Mourinho has been tipped, along with Edin Terzic, plus [journalist Jacob Steinberg’s trio] of Sebastian Hoeness, Kasper Hjulmand, and Roger Schmidt. Also gaining traction today is former Lazio and Chelsea boss Maurizzio Sarri.
Compared with Lopetegui’s muddled team selection, lack of shape, discipline, leadership and tactical naivety, pretty much ‘any of the above’ sound tempting,
As a reminder though, there are a couple of pre-requisites for any candidate: David Sullivan famously turned down Ruben Amorim because he ‘didn’t have enough premier league experience’ , so that would seem to rule out ‘several who have no direct Premier League experienced.
Also don’t forget our ‘highly placed source’ at London Stadium confirmed that ‘West Ham don’t pay compensation’ for other clubs managers so that rules out Mourinho, Hoeness etc – anyone working for another club at present.
Narrows the field a bit, doesn’t it? Potter or Sarri then: Unless of course Tim Steidten gets to choose this time, Sullivan having got it so wrong with Lopetegui. Sullivan will still have to approve the compensation payment though, so I do see it as very unlikely West Ham will buy a coach out of another club.
Either way, Frank Lampard need not apply. Anyone seriously suggesting BFF needs to go away and read up on their West Ham.
In any case, I suspect the reality, however much Hammers’ fans may wish it, is that there’ll be a ‘fudge’ and “no change” will be the order of the day.
Lopetegui will limp on for months yet, the West Ham board shying away from pulling the trigger whatever the outcome on Saturday. All this ‘must-win’ is just for posturing. Probably Sullivan will keep Lopetegui onboard providing we finish 17th or higher to save paying the best part of £6 million compensation. Which is a sad thought indeed. I really, really hope I’m wrong and I’m sitting here on Saturday night reporting on Lopetegui’s last game.
