West Ham could sack Julen Lopetegui soon. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
Wolves’ 2-1 defeat to Ipswich Town on Saturday could have a big impact on West Ham as Gary O’Neil is facing the sack after the setback at Molineux.
A last-minute goal from Jack Taylor secured all three points for The Tractor Boys which has left Wolves sitting 19th in the Premier League standings having won just two of their 16 matches.
This may be the end for O’Neil at Molineux as the English coach was already under severe pressure before taking on Ipswich.
Losing to a relegation candidate does not look for the former Bournemouth coach and it could see the Premier League outfit move for Graham Potter next week.
According to the Daily Mail, Wolves are actively sounding out replacements for O’Neil and are believed to have held tentative conversations with Potter last month. The former Chelsea boss is believed to be unsure about the role, but those at the club could convince him.
Hiring Potter would have a big impact at West Ham as vice-chairman Karren Brady is keen to have the English coach at the London club instead of their current boss, Julen Lopetegui.
Karren Brady wants Graham Potter at West Ham
Graham Potter is a wanted man at West Ham
Graham Potter is a wanted man at West Ham. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
Like O’Neil, Lopetegui is under pressure at West Ham as the Hammers currently sit 14th in the Premier League having won five out of their 15 matches. The Spanish coach’s reign has been one of disappointment so far after the London club spent over £120m on new signings in the summer to help the Irons return to European football.
This has not worked out for the former Wolves coach and according to transfer expert Ben Jacobs, Brady is pushing Potter for the West Ham manager’s job behind closed doors.
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The journalist claims there is still a very real possibility that West Ham sack Lopetegui over the next two weeks, depending on results, and Potter remains high on the shortlist alongside other names such as Matthias Jaissle, Massimiliano Allegri, Edin Terzic and Conceicao.
Trouble is brewing behind the scenes at West Ham
The former Chelsea manager’s experience in the Premier League will give him a major advantage over the other candidates, as well as his attractive playing style.
The West Ham job is likely to appeal more to Potter than Wolves given the differences in resources, but the more time passes, it becomes more likely that the English coach could take on the challenge at Molineux.