‘He must be sack right now ‘ Wolves defeat will have key person at West Ham pushing for Julen Lopetegui’s sacking
Wolverhampton Wanderers’ 2-1 defeat to Ipswich Town this past Saturday has sent ripples beyond Molineux, reaching the halls of West Ham United, where concerns over Julen Lopetegui’s future are growing louder. Gary O’Neil’s precarious position at Wolves after the Ipswich setback could unexpectedly trigger a chain of events that puts West Ham’s manager under even greater scrutiny.
The last-minute strike by Ipswich’s Jack Taylor sealed a crushing blow for Wolves, leaving them stranded in 19th place with a dismal record of just two wins from 16 matches. The result has intensified calls for O’Neil’s dismissal, with the club reportedly already lining up potential replacements. One name that has gained traction is former Chelsea and Brighton manager Graham Potter, who was approached for preliminary discussions last month, according to the Daily Mail. Despite Potter’s initial hesitation, Wolves’ hierarchy is determined to persuade him to take the reins.
This managerial domino effect could have profound implications for West Ham. Vice-chairman Karren Brady is known to be an admirer of Potter and is reportedly advocating for his appointment to replace Lopetegui. The Spaniard’s tenure has fallen well short of expectations, with the Hammers languishing in 14th place, having secured just five victories in their first 15 league fixtures. This underwhelming performance comes despite a hefty summer outlay exceeding £120 million on reinforcements aimed at propelling the club back into European competition.
Julen Lopetegui, who took charge following his tenure at Wolves, is finding it difficult to justify the faith West Ham placed in him. His team’s inconsistent form and lack of attacking fluidity have drawn increasing ire from both fans and board members. Transfer expert Ben Jacobs has revealed that Brady’s interest in Potter is not merely speculative; she is actively pushing for a managerial change behind closed doors. Jacobs claims the next two weeks will be critical for Lopetegui, with results likely to dictate his fate.
Should West Ham’s performances continue to falter, the possibility of Potter stepping in could soon materialize. The English coach’s proven track record in the Premier League, combined with his reputation for implementing an attractive, progressive style of play, makes him an appealing candidate. Additionally, Potter’s availability offers a rare opportunity for West Ham to secure a manager who not only understands the rigors of English football but also aligns with the club’s aspirations for a more dynamic, forward-thinking approach.
Other names reportedly in contention for the West Ham job include Matthias Jaissle, Massimiliano Allegri, Borussia Dortmund’s Edin Terzic, and Porto’s Sergio Conceicao. However, Potter’s familiarity with the Premier League gives him a distinct advantage over these foreign candidates, who may require more time to adapt to England’s top flight.
The appeal of West Ham over Wolves is clear: greater financial resources, a larger fanbase, and a squad brimming with talent. Yet, the longer Wolves’ managerial vacancy lingers, the more likely Potter might decide to take on the challenge at Molineux. This scenario would leave West Ham scrambling to identify an alternative candidate and risk further destabilizing a club already grappling with internal tensions.
As the pressure mounts on both Lopetegui and O’Neil, the managerial merry-go-round could soon reach full swing, with Brady’s ambitions for a managerial reset hanging in the balance. Whether Lopetegui can stave off the growing calls for his dismissal remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the next few fixtures could be decisive for West Ham’s immediate future.
