Julen Lopetegui finally SACKED by shambolic West Ham despite taking training with Graham Potter set to replace him
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WEST HAM have finally SACKED manager Julen Lopetegui after just seven months in charge. Former Chelsea boss Graham Potter is set to replace the Spaniard at the London Stadium. Potter's first game in charge will be against Aston Villa in the FA Cup on Friday night.
![[West Ham have parted ways with Julen Lopetegui]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/SOCCER-West-Ham-13565643jpg-JS954470893.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
Lopetegui's time at the helm comes to an end following a shambolic week that saw him continue to take training today while his successor pens his contract. The ex-Real Madrid and Spain boss, who replaced David Moyes in the summer, managed just six wins in 20 Premier League matches and leaves the club 14th in the table.
![[Former Chelsea boss Graham Potter is set to take over]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/file-photo-dated-03-12-962333668.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
Defending has been a problem for West Ham, with only Wolves (45), Leicester and Southampton (both on 44) conceding more than their 39 this season. Nine of those goals against have come in the last two games to Liverpool and Manchester City. Defeat in Lopetegui's final game at the Etihad marked the ninth time this season they had conceded three or more goals.
![[West Ham were thrashed 5-0 at home to Liverpool two days before New Years Eve]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/RTRMADP_SOCCER-ENGLAND-WHU-LIV-REPORT_571155780_UP1EKCT1DF3RP_2024-12-29T174728Zjpg-JS960429043.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
Things are also believed to have turned sour behind-the-scenes, with rumoured fall outs with key players and technical director Tim Steidten. FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS. Steidten, who also had a mixed relationship with Moyes, stepped away from the training ground after sounding out alternatives managers last month.
![[It is also understood that sporting director Tim Steidten now faces an uncertain future at the club]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/west-ham-united-technical-director-914012004.webp?strip=all&w=620)
Their already tense relationship had deteriorated and other club chiefs have been frustrated at both figures. There was supposedly a split in the boardroom over whether to axe Lopetegui earlier in the season. Steidten also now faces an uncertain future and his influence on the January transfer window has been diluted as owner David Sullivan takes a leading role.
