Lopetegui Sacked By West Ham After Just 20 Games

London – West Ham United have sacked manager Julen Lopetegui after a disappointing start to the 2024/25 Premier League season.

The Spaniard, who took over from David Moyes in July, leaves the Hammers 14th in the table, seven points clear of the relegation zone but with a concerning defensive record.

The club announced the decision this morning, stating that the first half of the season had “not aligned with the Club’s ambitions.”

Lopetegui’s departure is not only his own but also includes his entire backroom staff: Assistant Head Coach Pablo Sanz, Head of Performance Oscar Caro, Head Analyst Juan Vicente Peinado, Fitness Coach Borja De Alba, and Technical Coach Edu Rubio, all leaving with immediate effect.

West Ham’s statement thanked Lopetegui and his staff for their efforts but offered no further explanation for the swift dismissal.

The 4-1 defeat at Manchester City on Saturday, their ninth league loss of the season, is widely believed to have been the final straw.

The Hammers have conceded a worrying 39 goals – only Leicester City, Southampton, and Wolverhampton Wanderers have let in more.

Lopetegui becomes the fifth Premier League manager to lose his job this season, following Erik ten Hag, Steve Cooper, Gary O’Neil, and Russell Martin. The club is already underway with the process of appointing a successor, with reports strongly linking former Brighton and Chelsea boss Graham Potter with the vacant position.

However, West Ham have refused to comment further on potential replacements.

The timing of the sacking leaves West Ham with a crucial few weeks ahead. They face an FA Cup tie away to Aston Villa on Friday before a vital Premier League clash against Fulham on Tuesday, January 14th.

The new manager will inherit a squad struggling defensively and facing a fight to avoid a relegation battle.

The pressure is now firmly on West Ham’s board to find a suitable replacement quickly and effectively to steer the club away from the drop zone.