West Ham United have sacked head coach Julen Lopetegui, the Premier League club said on Wednesday, with the London side 14th in the standings after 20 matches.
“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,” West Ham said in a statement.
“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 West Ham statement said.
The 58-year-old Spaniard was appointed in May on a reported two-year contract to implement a more expansive playing style at West Ham after several seasons of pragmatism under David Moyes.
The former Spain, Real Madrid and Wolverhampton Wanderers manager signed a reported two-year contract after Moyes left the club by mutual consent.
West Ham were knocked out of the League Cup 5-1 by Liverpool in September and in their last two Premier League games suffered back-to-back losses to Liverpool and Manchester City, conceding nine goals.
Lopetegui’s backroom staff have also left the club with immediate effect.
Former Chelsea and Brighton & Hove Albion manager Graham Potter is in talks to replace Lopetegui, according to British media reports.
