Tim Steidten had initially set his sights on now-Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler for the West Ham United job before Julen Lopetegui was eventually appointed, according to The Sun on Sunday.
The report, published on 6 October (print edition, page 54), suggests that Steidten, who played a pivotal role in the recruitment process, had Hurzeler high on his list of candidates to replace David Moyes.
However, the 30-year-old’s relative inexperience worked against him, with Steidten ultimately “overruled” by the board due to concerns over Hurzeler’s age.
This decision reportedly caused frustration for Steidten, who is said to be growing increasingly disillusioned with the club’s hierarchy.
He feels his recommendations are not being given proper consideration, leading to mounting tensions behind the scenes.
Other names on his shortlist included Sergio Conceicao and Ruben Amorim, but in the end, it was Lopetegui who was chosen to take the reins at West Ham.
Lopetegui, now under the spotlight, must demonstrate that the board’s decision to select him over Steidten’s other candidates was the correct one.
West Ham underwent a significant overhaul during the summer transfer window, with the club bringing in several new faces in a bid to strengthen a squad that struggled defensively last season.
The Hammers had one of the worst defensive records in the Premier League, so it came as no surprise when reinforcements were brought in. Max Kilman and Jean-Clair Todibo were both signed to bolster the backline.
While Lopetegui’s start at West Ham has been mixed, there are signs of progress. In their most recent Premier League outing, a 4-1 victory over Ipswich Town, the team showed flashes of the style of play that Lopetegui is trying to instil.
However, it’s worth noting that if it weren’t for the underwhelming performances of former West Ham players Ben Johnson and Kalvin Phillips, the margin of victory might have been slimmer. Johnson, in particular, was criticised for his “terrible” defensive display by talkSPORT commentator Dave Rowe.
Lopetegui will need to build on the win and prove to the West Ham board that they made the right decision in hiring him over Steidten’s preferred candidates.