Few Premier League managers have been as closely linked to being sacked this autumn and winter as Lopetegui. David Moyes retired after last season in a decent 9th place. Former Real Madrid manager Lopetegui has not shown that he is heading for a top-ten finish, but the West Ham management has trusted Lopetegui to eventually reverse the trend. Then came the blow against Liverpool, followed by a bang against Manchester City.
Liverpool sent West Ham’s home fans out of the London Stadium with a 0-5 loss. The anger and disappointment over the overrun was eased onto coach Julen Lopetegui. A deafening beeping concert followed the former Real Madrid coach out of the stadium.
Ever since West Ham cancelled a press conference this morning, everyone understood that the club was going to sack manager Julen Lopetgui for very varying performances.
On Saturday, West Ham had the dubious honour of facing a Manchester City side at the Etihad Stadium who had found their way back to scoring form again.
With an average points average of 1.18 per game, it is not surprising that a club that has ambitions to play in the Champions League fires its manager.
West Ham are down to 14th place in the Premier League with equal points with Manchester United.
“The first part of the 2024/25 season has not been in line with the club’s ambitions, and therefore a decision has been made as a result,” the club writes in a statement.
Julen Lopetgui becomes Premier League manager number five to be sacked.
Erik ten Hag (Manchester United, October 28): The Dutch coach failed to create the stability and offense the club expected after a promising start. United brought in Ruben Amorim, an exciting managerial profile and have since had a mixed spell, but with hints of better form.
Steve Cooper (Leicester City, November 24): Cooper was promoted with Leicester, but struggled heavily in the Premier League. After Ruud van Nistelrooy came in, Leicester have received a slight boost and now look more competitive.
Gary O’Neil (Wolverhampton Wanderers, 15 December): The loss to Ipswich – a game many expected Wolves to win comfortably – was the final straw. The club management probably thought that O’Neil was not the right man to reverse the bad trend. Wolves are in a vulnerable position and the question is whether a new boss can get the ship back on track.
Russell Martin (Southampton, December 15): After a terrible 0-5 defeat against Tottenham, Southampton chose to pull the emergency brake. Martin had got the club promoted from the Championship, but the Premier League is ruthless and the board found it necessary to make a fresh start. New manager Vítor Pereira has succeeded in lifting the club and actually won some games.
The Spaniard thus only got half a season at the club. Lopetegui took over from David Moyes last summer and signed a two-year contract.
West Ham spent a lot of money on strengthening the squad for Lopetegui, but have struggled to get results. In the Premier League, the team stands so far with six wins, five draws and nine losses.
As always when someone is fired, Graham Potter is mentioned. – Also this time, it will be stated whether details (read salary) for an agreement can be reached.
