West Ham United have confirmed the appointment of Graham Potter as their new manager on a two-and-a-half-year deal, following the dismissal of Julen Lopetegui after just six months in charge.
Potter, the former Brighton and Chelsea boss, will be unveiled at a press conference at the London Stadium on Thursday morning.
Lopetegui was relieved of his duties on Wednesday after a disappointing start to the season, with the Hammers sitting 14th in the Premier League table, just seven points clear of the relegation zone.
His tenure saw West Ham win only six of their 20 league matches this season, including a 4-1 defeat to Manchester City on Saturday.
West Ham’s Statement
In a statement, West Ham said:
“The first half of the 2024-25 season has not aligned with the club’s ambitions, and the club has therefore taken action in line with its objectives.”
The club also confirmed the departure of Lopetegui’s entire backroom staff, including assistant Pablo Sanz and other key members of his coaching team.
“The board would like to thank Julen and his staff for their hard work during their time with the Hammers and wish them every success for the future.”
Why West Ham Chose Potter
Sources close to the club revealed that Potter was West Ham’s top choice due to his proven track record in the Premier League as a coach who develops players and maximizes squad potential.
His success at Brighton, where he led the team to a ninth-place finish and cultivated a reputation for attractive football, was a key factor in the decision.
“Potter felt West Ham offered a stable ownership structure and the chance to work with a talented squad,” sources told BBC Sport*m.
West Ham also considered former AC Milan boss Paulo Fonseca and ex-PSG manager Christophe Galtier for the role but opted for Potter, who will make his managerial return after being sacked by Chelsea in April 2023.
Potter expressed his preference for club football over international management in a recent interview, which added to the appeal of the Hammers’ project.
Lopetegui’s Short-Lived Tenure
Julen Lopetegui, who joined West Ham in May 2024 following David Moyes’ departure, officially began his reign on July 1.
Despite spending £125m in the summer transfer window, results on the pitch failed to meet expectations.
Under Lopetegui, West Ham won just six Premier League games and suffered heavy defeats, including a 5-2 loss to Arsenal and a 5-0 home thrashing by Liverpool.
The Spaniard’s struggles were compounded by underwhelming cup exits, including a 5-1 defeat to Liverpool in the Carabao Cup third round.
Potter’s Career So Far
The 49-year-old Graham Potter returns to management after an 18-month absence. His most recent role was at Chelsea, where he endured a difficult spell, winning just 12 of 31 matches before being sacked in April 2023.
During his three years with the Seagulls (Brighton), he established them as a Premier League force, culminating in a ninth-place finish in the 2021-22 season.
Potter also enjoyed success abroad at Ostersunds FK in Sweden, where he led the club to multiple promotions and a historic Europa League campaign.
West Ham’s Current Situation
Potter inherits a West Ham side in transition. The Hammers are seven points above the relegation zone and face a challenging FA Cup third-round tie against Aston Villa on Friday.
The club enjoyed significant success under David Moyes, winning the Europa Conference League in 2023 and finishing ninth in the Premier League last season.
However, Lopetegui’s tenure has left the team in a precarious position.
Key Dates:
Press Conference: Thursday morning at London Stadium.
First Match: FA Cup third-round tie at Aston Villa on Friday.
Next League Fixture: Premier League clash against Fulham next week.
Potter now has the opportunity to prove his credentials once again in England’s top flight, with West Ham betting on his ability to turn the season around.
