West Ham United have confirmed the club’s decision to sack head coach Julen Lopetegui with the club 14th in the Premier League table.
The Spaniard took first-team training on Wednesday despite speculation surrounding his future at the London Stadium. Former Wolves boss Lopetegui was appointed in the summer but has endured a tough start to his reign.
West Ham are 14th in the table, just seven points above the relegation places. Their season of struggle comes despite investing around £132.5m on new signings in the summer transfer window.
In a statement, West Ham said the first half of the campaign has not ‘aligned with the club’s ambitions’. Alongside Lopetegui, the Spaniard’s coaching staff have also left their roles.
“West Ham United can confirm that Head Coach Julen Lopetegui has today left the Club,” the statement read.
“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 can confirm that 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 have also left with immediate effect.
“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.
“The process of appointing a replacement is underway. The Club will be making no further comment at this time.”
West Ham are understood to have held positive talks with former Chelsea and Brighton boss Graham Potter about replacing Lopetegui. The 49-year-old has been out of work since leaving Chelsea in 2023.
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