West Ham finally sack Julen Lopetegui after two-day ordeal as club release statement

Yesterday at 10:24 AM

West Ham have finally announced the sacking of Julen Lopetegui.

talkSPORT revealed on Monday that the Hammers had decided to part company with the Spaniard and opened negotiations with Graham Potter to become their new boss.

Despite Lopetegui being aware he was facing the sack, he still took training on Tuesday as the club thrashed out terms with Potter.

But he cancelled a planned team meal on Tuesday night as the club prepared to confirm his fate, while a Lopetegui press conference was also scrapped on Wednesday.

Now, West Ham have officially announced that Lopetegui's eight-month reign had been brought to an end.

A statement read: “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's position had been under threat prior to last month's clash with Wolves, before the Hammers embarked on a four-match unbeaten run.

However, they have suffered heavy defeats in their past two games – a 5-0 thumping at home by Liverpool followed by a 4-1 loss at Manchester City – which has left the club 14th in the Premier League.

Ex-Chelsea and Brighton boss Potter has been out of work since being sacked by the Blues in April 2023.

He is expected to return with West Ham after a breakthrough in contract talks on Tuesday.

Potter has been offered an initial six-month deal that could rise to two-and-a-half years assuming he hits certain targets.

And his first task could be a tough one as West Ham take on Aston Villa in an FA Cup third round tie on Friday night, live on talkSPORT.