Eddy
West Ham United’s turbulent start to the 2025/26 season has put immense pressure on head coach Graham Potter, and according to fresh reports, the club’s hierarchy has already begun discreet talks about his potential replacement. With a string of disappointing performances—most recently a 3–2 League Cup exit at the hands of Wolves following heavy league defeats to Sunderland and Chelsea—Potter’s position is said to be hanging by a thread.
Sources close to the London Stadium suggest that the board has identified Julen Lopetegui as the leading candidate to step in should Potter be dismissed. The former Spain, Real Madrid, and Wolves boss is highly regarded for his tactical intelligence, strong man-management skills, and ability to steady struggling sides. Lopetegui has been out of work since leaving AC Milan at the end of last season, making him readily available and appealing for the Hammers’ board.
The choice of Lopetegui is seen as a move to inject experience and stability into a squad that has looked tactically disorganized and mentally fragile under Potter. His reputation for building compact, resilient teams could be the antidote to West Ham’s defensive frailties, particularly as new goalkeeper Mads Hermansen has struggled to adapt, conceding eight goals in just two Premier League fixtures.
Alongside Lopetegui, other names have been quietly mentioned, including Paulo Fonseca, currently at Lille, and former Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi, though both would be harder to secure mid-season due to contractual commitments. Lopetegui’s availability and Premier League experience make him the standout option for Sullivan and the West Ham board.
For Potter, time is rapidly running out. The upcoming clash against Nottingham Forest is already being described as a “must-win” if he is to save his job. Should results fail to improve immediately, West Ham fans may soon see a new man in the dugout—with Julen Lopetegui waiting in the wings to bring order back to the East London club.
lukman
admin
Oojays_gram
Eddy