West Ham United have now officially confirmed Julen Lopetegui has been relieved of his duties after two days of limbo.
It emerged on Monday that West Ham’s board had decided to sack Julen Lopetegui.
But as talks dragged on in the background with Graham Potter, Lopetegui was forced to take Hammers training knowing he was on his way.
At one stage it looked like West Ham might miss out on Potter, who is expected to be confirmed as Lopetegui’s replacement later today or tomorrow.
After initially agreeing a six-month deal, Potter moved the goalposts and demanded a longer deal.
Hammers News has exclusively revealed the highly unusual 2.5-year deal Potter will sign at West Ham.
In a strange twist, Lopetegui actually took West Ham training at Rush Green on Wednesday.
But the Hammers have now made an official announcement that his tenure lasting just over six months is at an end.
It’s official as West Ham sack Lopetegui after 192 days in charge and a statement is released.
In a blunt and brief statement, the Hammers said they were left with no choice after the first half of the season failed to meet their expectations.
Official: West Ham sack Lopetegui after 192 days in charge
The Hammers also state Lopetegui’s staff have also been dismissed and the process of appointing a replacement is ‘underway’.
“West Ham United can confirm that Head Coach Julen Lopetegui has today left the Club,” the club state.
“The first half of the 2024/25 season has not aligned with the Club’s ambitions and the Club has therefore taken action in line with its objectives.
“The Club can confirm that Assistant Head Coach Pablo Sanz, Head of Performance Oscar Caro, Head Analyst Juan Vicente Peinado, Fitness Coach Borja De Alba and Technical Coach Edu Rubio have also left with immediate effect.
“The Board would like to thank Julen and his staff for their hard work during their time with the Hammers and wish them every success for the future.
“The process of appointing a replacement is underway.
“The Club will be making no further comment at this time.”
Lopetegui an honourable man but not right for West Ham
The way Lopetegui put West Ham first before and after losing his father deserves special respect.
Football is secondary when it comes to family and health.
So for Lopetegui to put the Hammers above those things recently by leading the team when he could have been by his dying father’s side during his final days is beyond admirable.
To then come straight back from Jose Antonio Lopetegui’s funeral to take the team against Brighton should not be forgotten.
But as a manager, the writing had been on the wall for some time for the ex Spain boss.
West Ham won just six of their 20 Premier League games under Lopetegui.
The Hammers conceded three goals or more on NINE occasions during his time in charge.
After the 4-1 defeat at Man City, Lopetegui officially leaves West Ham with a lower win percentage across all competitions (31.82%) than Avram Grant (31.91%) during the latter’s infamous 2010/11 relegation season.
West Ham have conceded 44 goals in Lopetegui’s 22 games in charge – two per game as an average.
Most Hammers fans were completely underwhelmed when it emerged Lopetegui was the man to succeed David Moyes.
Lopetegui was even dubbed a ‘Spanish Moyes’.
Their gut instincts were proved correct as a lack of style, identity and any coherent philosophy saw a big disconnect between the fans and the team.
The former Real Madrid and Wolves boss was tasked with getting West Ham challenging for Europe.
But the Hammers are miles off with no sign of any progress or promise.
Hammers’ season criminally wasted by wrong appointment
West Ham’s season thus far has been criminally wasted.
Fan anger had turned to apathy, the away support turned on the manager again at the Etihad and criticism had started to focus on the owners for failing to act.
When that happens the outcome is inevitable.
This is officially the most wide open Premier League season for 12 years.
It means the points needed to qualify for Europe will be less than normal.
The Premier League is also on course to get at least one extra Champions League spot, pushing the Euro places further down the league – especially if teams in the top six win domestic cup competitions.
A number of top clubs are struggling this season too.
This was a golden opportunity.
But West Ham squandered it by not only making the wrong appointment in Lopetegui but sticking with him for too long.
Now it will be over to Potter to essentially prove Lopetegui was the problem.
If results and performances don’t improve over the second half of the season then the spotlight will shine brightly on Tim Steidten and the owners.
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