Julen Lopetegui’s tenure at West Ham has begun disastrously, with the Hammers struggling in the early stages of the 2024/25 Premier League campaign.
Yet, despite the mounting pressure, one man who apparently won’t be stepping in at the London Stadium is Graham Potter.
The former Chelsea boss remains without a job following his sacking at Stamford Bridge. However, according to sources at Give Me Sport, even if Lopetegui is shown the door, Potter is not being considered as a replacement.
Lopetegui, for his part, seems unfazed by the speculation. He returned to Spain during the international break but continues to act as though his position at West Ham is secure.
Reports suggest the Spaniard is still pushing for new signings, indicating he’s planning for the long haul in East London.
West Ham Rule Out Graham Potter as Successor
The real dilemma now lies with club chairman David Sullivan. Should he stick with Lopetegui and risk a further slide down the table, or twist and make a change before it’s too late?
If Sullivan doesn’t believe a suitable candidate is available to succeed Lopetegui, there’s little point in a knee-jerk reaction.
Yet questions are already being asked about missed opportunities. The decision not to move for Hansi Flick or Ruben Amorim when they were reportedly available looks increasingly short-sighted.
Flick has since revitalised Barcelona, while Amorim is set to begin his own Premier League journey with Manchester United.
For Sullivan, it’s a no-win situation. Fans are desperate for a return to the ‘West Ham way’—a style of football they feel has been absent for far too long.
They didn’t get it under David Moyes, and hopes that Lopetegui would bring a continental flair have quickly faded.
The pressure is mounting, and as results falter, the Hammers’ faithful will only grow louder in their demands for change.