Julen Lopetegui is still destined for the sack at West Ham and knows the owners are lining up his replacement.
That’s according to a journalist who first broke news of the big Hammers moves involving for Lucas Paqueta and Declan Rice.
It has been widely reported that Julen Lopetegui remains under intense pressure at West Ham.
The club’s owners were far from impressed with the fortunate 2-1 win over Wolves after giving the Spaniard one last chance.
Lopetegui was told he had to win games against Wolves, Bournemouth, Brighton and Southampton.
So a negative result against the Cherries next could see West Ham wield the axe.
Given Bournemouth’s form this season – and the way the Hammers have played in the last three games – that looks a distinct possibility.
West Ham fans have been calling for the manager to be sacked.
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An isolated win over a woeful Wolves team has done nothing to change their minds.
Lopetegui’s position is put under even greater scrutiny by continual reports of unrest and fall-outs in the Hammers camp.
Sergio Conceicao of FC Porto during the match between Sporting CP and FC Porto for the Portuguese Cup Final. Inset, Edin Terzic, Massimiliano Allegri and Graham Potter.
Photo by Plumb Images/Leicester City FC via Getty Images
‘Sack beckons’ for Lopetegui at West Ham says journalist
Behind the scenes top West Ham stars are demanding to leave if Lopetegui stays.
The Hammers boss confirmed an altercation with £32m defender Jean-Clair Todibo.
Mohammed Kudus showed public dissent towards Lopetegui when subbed against Wolves too.
Hammers News revealed last week that the club’s board were split six ways over a replacement for the ex Real Madrid boss.
Since then it has been claimed Graham Potter has agreed to take over if Lopetegui is fired.
And that is still very much on the cards it seems.
The Lopetegui ‘sack beckons’ as a final five-man West Ham shortlist is named.
Ben Jacobs was the reporter who first broke news that West Ham were signing Paqueta.
He also revealed before anyone in December 2022 that Rice was on his way to Arsenal.
Now Jacobs claims Lopetegui ‘remains in serious danger of losing his job’ and is being monitored on a ‘game-by-game basis’.
Final five-man West Ham shortlist is named
He states that the West Ham board are talking to candidates as they try to reach an agreement on who to go with.
Lopetegui is also said to be aware the club are actively exploring parting ways with him ahead of the Bournemouth clash.
Jacobs has told TeamTALK the final six-man shortlist being is assessed is as follows with Michael Carrick now seemingly out of the running.
Jacobs has confirmed what Hammers News exclusively revealed last week – that Karren Brady is pushing for Potter, who is close friends with her husband.
David Sullivan and Julen Lopetegui.
Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images
Sullivan ‘likes the idea’ of Allegri in the summer
Tim Steidten is said to want Terzic, Conceicao or young Al-Alhi boss Jaissle.
David Sullivan is coming around to the idea of appointing Allegri next summer – hence his reluctance to bring anyone else in on a long-term contract.
Potter is one of the only candidates willing to sign up to a short-term deal until the end of the season.
West Ham did that with David Moyes when he replaced Slaven Bilic.
Despite keeping the club up, Sullivan went with Manuel Pellegrini instead.
Now it seems a similar pattern is emerging with Potter and Allegri.
As a result it is looking increasingly likely that Potter would take over for the rest of the season if and when Lopetegui is fired.
If he does well then his position will obviously be reviewed favourably.
If things don’t work out then West Ham leave themselves free to appoint Allegri, if he remains available as is being suggested.
Interestingly Allegri refused to deny talks with West Ham and swiftly ducked out of an interview when questioned about it last week.
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