West Ham sack Lopetegui
Niclas Füllkrug gets a new coach
January 8, 2025 – 5:31 p.mReading time: 1 min.
A big change is coming to West Ham United. Coach Julen Lopetegui had to leave the club – a successor is already being sought.
National striker Niclas Füllkrug gets a new coach. After just over six months, the collaboration between coach Julen Lopetegui and West Ham United is ending. The English first division team confirmed this on Wednesday at X. The disappointing results of the current season are therefore the reason.
In a statement, the club said: “The first half of the 2024/25 season did not meet the club’s ambitions and the club has therefore taken measures in line with its objectives.” Under Lopetegui, the team had only achieved six wins in 20 league games and is in a dangerous position despite a seven-point cushion on the relegation places.
The Spanish coach was on the verge of dismissal back in December, but was able to save himself with eight points from four games. Wins against Wolverhampton (2:1) and Southampton (1:0) as well as a draw against Bournemouth (1:1) and Brighton (1:1) brought some temporary stability. The defeats against Liverpool (0:5) and Manchester City (1:4) ultimately led to the club management’s decision.
Graham Potter, who most recently worked at Chelsea FC, is considered the favorite to succeed him. One of the new coach’s main tasks will be to stabilize the defense. With 39 goals conceded, West Ham have conceded the fourth-highest number in the league.