West Ham United to appoint Graham Potter as new manager after sacking Julen Lopetegui

West Ham United are set to announce the appointment of Graham Potter as their new manager, following the sacking of Julen Lopetegui.

Potter, who has agreed to a two-and-a-half-year deal, will be unveiled at a news conference at the London Stadium on Thursday morning. Lopetegui, who was appointed in May, was dismissed after just six months in charge, with the team winning only six Premier League games during his tenure.

The decision to sack Lopetegui came after a poor run of results, including a 4-1 defeat to Manchester City on Saturday. The team’s performance has been underwhelming, and the board felt that a change was necessary to achieve their ambitions. Lopetegui’s backroom staff, including assistant Pablo Sanz and head of performance Oscar Caro, have also left the club.

Potter, who has previously managed Brighton and Chelsea, was chosen for his ability to develop players and his proven track record in the Premier League. He had been out of management since being sacked by Chelsea in April 2023 but had received other offers before deciding to join West Ham. The club’s stable ownership and commitment to allowing managers time to build were also factors in Potter’s decision.

West Ham’s next game is an FA Cup third-round tie against Aston Villa on Friday. The team will be looking to bounce back from their recent poor form, and Potter will be eager to make a positive impact. The club’s fans will be hoping that Potter’s appointment will mark a turning point in their season.

Lopetegui’s departure marks the end of a disappointing chapter in West Ham’s history. The team had high hopes when he was appointed, but his tenure was marked by poor results and a lack of progress. The club will be hoping that Potter can bring stability and success to the team.

Potter’s appointment is seen as a positive move by West Ham, and fans will be eager to see how he can turn the team’s fortunes around. With his experience and track record, Potter is well-equipped to take on the challenge and bring success to the club.