Julen Lopetegui on brink of West Ham sack with Graham Potter leading contender to take over at London Stadium
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JULEN LOPETEGUI'S job is hanging by a thread at West Ham with Graham Potter back in contention to take over. After another drubbing at the hands of Manchester City over the weekend, off the back of a 5-0 defeat to Liverpool, patience appears to have worn thin.
![[Julen Lopetegui is on the brink of the sack from West Ham]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/west-ham-vs-wolverhampton-wanderers-956069706.jpg?strip=all&w=852)
West Ham hope that Potter, who was first approached last month despite some reservations within the club, would be prepared to step in if Lopetegui is axed. The Spaniard, appointed in the summer as David Moyes' successor, was given a stay of execution last month.
![[Graham Potter is in contention to replace the struggling Spaniard]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/d5fcadd2-d21e-4712-b1a8-edc3cb04b13f.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
Meanwhile, technical director Tim Steidten - involved in seeking a replacement for Lopetegui - has been asked to stay away from the training ground. Lopetegui and Steidten's already tense relationship has deteriorated with the club frustrated with both figures.
It is not clear whether the Spanish boss will be in charge for the next Premier League game, at home to Fulham next Tuesday. West Ham face Aston Villa in the FA Cup third round on Friday night before returning to Premier League action. Furthermore, Steidten's influence on the January market has been diluted as chairman David Sullivan takes a leading role in the transfer window.
Steidten, 45, was part of the process when West Ham were considering replacements for Lopetegui last month. FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS. Lopetegui's position remains under scrutiny and conceding nine goals in the last two games has not helped his standing.
