West Ham boss Julen Lopetegui is fighting to save his job as West Ham United boss, according to the latest reports. David Ornstein of the Athletic claims discussions are ongoing regarding the 58-year-old's future at the Hammers after just five wins in 16 matches since his appointment.
He adds that the West Ham hierarchy are considering their options but have not set a deadline for their decision. Lopetegui's side are currently 14th in the Premier League and have won just four of their opening 14 top-flight games this season.
They've lost both games since returning from the November international break - a 3-1 defeat to fellow strugglers Leicester City and a 5-2 hammering against Arsenal, which saw the Hammers concede four goals in the first 20 minutes of the game. They face Lopetegui's former club and fellow strugglers Wolves on Monday, in a must-win game for the under-pressure boss, who is struggling to get a tune out of his players after replacing David Moyes in May.
Though not confirmed, former Chelsea boss Graham Potter could be in the running for the job after he said he was 'open to anything' when asked about a return to the Premier League. The former Blues boss was providing analysis for Amazon Prime as Leicester ran out 3-1 winners at the King Power Stadium and didn't dismiss the idea of taking over at West Ham when asked by Dan Walker about his future career plans.
"Yeah, of course," he responded. "As I've said before, you are open to everything. At the same time, I am really enjoying this [punditry] as well because it gives you another perspective."
He added: "You get to see it from your eyes and how the media thinks about the game. That's always interesting. It's a different lens and that can only make you better once you understand that. I've enjoyed that."
Potter was also quizzed about the speculation linking him to the Leicester managerial position before Ruud van Nistelrooy's appointment last month. The former Chelsea boss said: "What I've realised is that, in this world, you don't believe everything you read in the newspaper.
"I spoke to a lot of people and a lot of clubs over the summer and over the time I've been out. Out of respect for them, I think I will keep those conversations private."
"You don't confirm or deny anything, but this is a fantastic football club and they will be looking to start the new era under Ruud van Nistelrooy with a win."
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