West Ham sack Julen Lopetegui after abysmal form and 'already have replacement lined up'
WATCH NOW: GB News sport round-up
West Ham have sacked Julen Lopetegui after a 4-1 defeat to Manchester City at the weekend, reports say.
The east London outfit already have a replacement in mind to step in with former Chelsea and Brighton boss Graham Potter the leading candidate.
Lopetegui was only hired last summer after David Moyes was allowed to leave at the end of his contract.
But it has been a dismal year for the Hammers, who have become used to challenging for European spots in recent years.
Julen Lopetegui has been sacked by West Ham, reports say
Reuters
However, with just six wins in 20 Premier League matches, West Ham find themselves 14th in the table and seven points above the relegation zone.
The 4-1 loss to City on Saturday was the last straw, according to talkSPORT, with the club hierarchy wielding the axe.
It follows a 5-0 demolition at the hands of Liverpool, with West Ham's defence being torn to shreds.
The report goes on to state that Potter is in the frame to replace the former Real Madrid and Spain boss.
The Englishman has not been in work since his sacking at Chelsea in April 2023, though he is still regarded as a bright coach.
West Ham are desperate to return to winning ways after a dismal run of form under Lopetegui that saw them claim two wins in 11 Premier League matches.
Both of these wins came against sides in the relegation zone with a 1-0 victory over Southampton and a 2-1 win over Wolves.
It was the latter victory on December 9 where Lopetegui staved off the sack for another day as GB News reported that the Spaniard faced the axe if he did not land all three points.
Julen Lopetegui was hired in the summer by West Ham
Reuters
As it was, it only merely put off the inevitable with form tailing off further in recent weeks.
However, with 11 points separating them and sixth-placed City, it will take a monumental push to get themselves back into the European spots.
A serious injury to Jarrod Bowen has left the Hammers without their star man for a considerable amount of time.
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It further dents their hopes of returning to European competition next season.
However, Potter might be the man to revitalise the Hammers, while sporting director Tim Steidten is also under pressure.
The transfer chief splashed out in the summer on players such as Max Kilman, Luis Guilherme and Guide Rodriguez - though it could be argued that none of them have impressed.
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