JULEN LOPETEGUI’S job is hanging by a thread at West Ham with Graham Potter back in contention to take over.
After another drubbing at the hands of Manchester City over the weekend, off the back of a 5-0 defeat to Liverpool, patience appears to have worn thin.
West Ham hope that Potter, who was first approached last month despite some reservations within the club, would be prepared to step in if Lopetegui is axed.
The Spaniard, appointed in the summer as David Moyes’ successor, was given a stay of execution last month.
Meanwhile, technical director Tim Steidten – involved in seeking a replacement for Lopetegui – has been asked to stay away from the training ground.
Lopetegui and Steidten’s already tense relationship has deteriorated with the club frustrated with both figures.
It is not clear whether the Spanish boss will be in charge for the next Premier League game, at home to Fulham next Tuesday.
West Ham face Aston Villa in the FA Cup third round on Friday night before returning to Premier League action.
Furthermore, Steidten’s influence on the January market has been diluted as chairman David Sullivan takes a leading role in the transfer window.
Steidten, 45, was part of the process when West Ham were considering replacements for Lopetegui last month.
FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS
Lopetegui’s position remains under scrutiny and conceding nine goals in the last two games has not helped his standing.
Steidten, appointed in 2023, has opted to steer clear of the Rush Green base to focus on the January window and allow Lopetegui the space to focus on the squad.
His role in sounding out replacements, as well as the club’s poor form, has led to a tense relationship between the pair.
West Ham, under Steidten’s leadership, spent £127.5million, in the summer window but sit 14th in the Premier League with just six wins all season.
The German, who previously worked at Bayer Leverkusen, also had a poor relationship with former manager David Moyes.
Steidten was asked to stay away from the first-team dressing room at the London Stadium towards the end of last season.
Asked about that decision at the time, Moyes said: “I’ve said before that Tim has his job to do but managers have their boundaries and I have my boundaries.”
West Ham are keen to be active in the January window following the loss of Michail Antonio for the season and Jarrod Bowen for six weeks.
The Hammers want to add a striker and central midfielder on loan.
Brighton’s Evan Ferguson has been considered but the Seagulls will wait until the end of the window to make a decision on whether or not to loan him out.
Chelsea midfielder Carney Chukwuemeka, who almost moved to the London Stadium in the summer, is on their radar once more.
