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West Ham United have parted ways with head coach Julen Lopetegui after just 20 Premier League games. The 58-year-old Spaniard, who took over from David Moyes in July 2024, leaves the club sitting 14th in the table, seven points clear of the relegation zone.
A club statement explained that the first half of the 2024/25 season fell short of expectations, prompting the decision. Lopetegui’s entire coaching staff, including 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 departed.
West Ham thanked Lopetegui and his staff for their efforts and wished them well for the future.
Lopetegui’s dismissal makes him the fifth Premier League managerial casualty this season, following Erik ten Hag, Steve Cooper, Gary O’Neil, and Russell Martin.
Media reports indicate that Graham Potter, formerly of Brighton and Chelsea, is among the candidates being considered for the vacant managerial position. West Ham have confirmed they have begun the search for a new manager but will not be making further statements at this time.
The Hammers’ recent form has been concerning, culminating in a 4-1 defeat to Manchester City on Saturday – their ninth league loss of the campaign.7 Their defensive frailties have been a major issue, having conceded 39 goals, a figure surpassed only by Leicester City, Southampton, and Wolverhampton Wanderers.
West Ham’s next fixture is an FA Cup tie away to Aston Villa on Friday, followed by a Premier League home game against Fulham on Tuesday, January 14th.
