West Ham is currently considering potential replacements for their manager, Julen Lopetegui, following their recent 3-1 defeat at the hands of Leicester. Among the shortlisted candidates are former Chelsea manager Graham Potter, ex-Borussia Dortmund boss Edin Terzic, and former Porto manager Sergio Conceicao. Lopetegui had previously been close to being sacked before a win against Newcastle bought him some time, but subsequent losses to Arsenal and Leicester have once again raised doubts about his tenure.
The Hammers leadership typically avoids sacking managers mid-season, but the recent poor performances have increased pressure on Lopetegui. Terzic, who led Dortmund to the Champions League final last season, is believed to be the favored option within the club, although there are uncertainties about his willingness to move to the London Stadium. Conceicao, who has won three Portuguese titles with Porto before leaving in summer, is also available as a potential replacement. Potter, who has been out of work since leaving Chelsea in April last year, has shown interest and previously turned down an offer from Leicester.
Potter had the opportunity to witness firsthand the issues plaguing West Ham during their defeat to Leicester, where Jamie Vardy, Bilal El Khannouss, and Patson Daka scored for the home side, with Niclas Fullkrug’s late effort being a mere consolation for the Hammers. Despite the recent setbacks, West Ham have a relatively favorable upcoming schedule with matches against Wolves, Bournemouth, Brighton, and Southampton before facing Liverpool at the end of the year. This run of fixtures could be crucial in determining the team’s immediate future and the direction they choose to take in terms of managerial decisions.
The Hammers’ leadership has been tracking potential replacements for Lopetegui, with Potter, Terzic, and Conceicao all being considered for the role. While Lopetegui managed to temporarily stave off the threat of being sacked with a win against Newcastle, subsequent defeats to Arsenal and Leicester have once again raised concerns. Terzic, who led Dortmund to the Champions League final, is seen as the preferred option, although there are doubts about his willingness to take on the job. Conceicao, a former Porto manager with a successful track record, is also in contention, as is Potter, who has shown interest in the position despite previously turning down an offer from Leicester.
Potter’s recent appearances on TV as a pundit have allowed him to closely observe West Ham’s struggles on the pitch, including their recent loss to Leicester where they conceded three goals. The team’s upcoming fixtures against Wolves, Bournemouth, Brighton, and Southampton present an opportunity for them to bounce back and potentially turn their season around. The decision on who will replace Lopetegui will be crucial in determining the team’s future trajectory and could have a significant impact on their performance in the coming months. The pressure is on for the Hammers to make the right choice as they look to salvage their season and secure their place in the Premier League.
