West Ham United have officially appointed Graham Potter as their new manager following the dismissal of Julen Lopetegui. The former Wolves, Real Madrid and Spanish national team manager was brought in to replace David Moyes last summer, but after a disappointing spell at the London Stadium he was shown the door.
West Ham currently sit in 14th position in the Premier League, just seven points clear of the relegation zone, despite significant investment during the summer transfer market. Lopetegui conducted training as normal on Tuesday, in preparation for this weekend’s FA Cup match against Aston Villa, while the search for his successor was already underway.
On Wednesday afternoon, Lopetegui was informed of his dismissal, while Potter has already been appointed, having initially considered a six-month contract but ultimately signed a longer contract of two-and-a-half years.
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This marks Potter’s return to the Premier League bench almost two years after leaving Chelsea, and he has expressed his excitement at the prospect of returning to the elite. “I’m delighted to be here. It was crucial for me to be patient and wait for the right opportunity, the one that matched my values and my vision,” he said.
“My discussions with the President and Board of Directors have been exceptionally positive and constructive; we share the same ideals around the hard work and energy it takes to create a successful foundation. We are aligned on our immediate goals and vision for the future of the club.
-“West Ham United are a colossal club located in the heart of London, with a passionate fan base and considerable global support. The scenes following their Europa Conference League victory in 2023 are testament to a club poised for sustained success, both on and off the pitch The club has laid solid foundations and made significant progress in recent years, highlighting that European trophies are not won by chance but require solid foundations. build on this and cultivate a team and a club that everyone can be proud of.
Joining Potter at the London Stadium are Bruno (assistant coach), Billy Reid (first team coach) and Narcís Pèlach (first team coach), while goalkeeping coach Xavi Valero will remain in post. Lopetegui’s tenure was marked by just seven wins in 22 matches managed.
West Ham backed Lopetegui in the transfer market with several high-profile signings, including Max Kilman, Niclas Füllkrug and Luis Guilherme, with none of them making the expected impact this season.
Rumors have also swirled of a dispute between Lopetegui and technical director Tim Steidten, who played a key role in negotiations with Potter and was spotted chatting with him before his appointment, while previously avoiding the facilities of club training while Lopetegui’s future was being discussed.
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