David Ornstein, a football correspondent for The Athletic, and Roshane Thomas, a West Ham United writer, dive into the whirlwind week for West Ham. They discuss the shocking dismissal of Julen Lopetegui, who only lasted eight months, and analyze the club’s struggles amid relegation fears. The conversation shifts to the club's shift to Graham Potter, exploring his managerial style and potential fit. They also critique the club's hiring strategy, debating the merits of foreign versus British managers and the implications for West Ham's identity moving forward.
West Ham's sacking of Julen Lopetegui after a mere eight months highlights a significant misalignment between club expectations and managerial outcomes.
Graham Potter's appointment aims to restore team cohesion and improve performance, while aligning with West Ham's identity and supporters' expectations.
Deep dives
West Ham's Management Changes
West Ham United's recent decision to dismiss Julian Lopetegui after only eight months reflects a critical misalignment between expectations and outcomes. The club had originally brought him in with high hopes, yet his short tenure highlighted numerous issues, including poor results and clashes with players. Despite early optimism, Lopetegui was unable to forge a positive team dynamic, resulting in discontent among fans and leading to calls for his removal. Ultimately, his dismissal signified a rare but necessary shift for West Ham, which has historically been reluctant to part ways with managers mid-season.
Graham Potter's Appointment
Graham Potter's appointment as West Ham's new head coach is seen as a strategic move to revitalize the team and restore its competitive edge. Potter brings experience from his time at Brighton and Chelsea, where he displayed the ability to improve player performance and team cohesion. His hiring also indicates West Ham's intent to adopt a more attractive playing style that resonates with both the club's identity and its supporters' expectations. By securing Potter, West Ham aims to realign itself with a vision for success in the Premier League.
Recruitment and Investment Issues
The discussion surrounding West Ham’s recruitment strategies underscores the failures that contributed to the team's struggles under Lopetegui. Significant financial investments were made in new players, yet many acquisitions, like Nicholas Falkrug, were questioned for their long-term viability and performance levels. Additionally, the club's failure to conduct thorough due diligence on player character and desire to join West Ham has raised concerns about the current recruitment team. Addressing these recruitment challenges will be essential for the club's future success and stability.
Managing Expectations for the Future
Potter’s initial goals at West Ham include improving the porous defense, which has conceded more goals than almost any other team in the league. He emphasizes the importance of solidifying the backline to build a foundation for future success, especially given the club's recent record of heavy defeats. The expectation among fans is that Potter can implement a system that not only improves results but also instills a sense of identity and pride back into the squad. As he embarks on this new chapter, the alignment between his vision and the club’s aspirations will be crucial for the upcoming season.
On Wednesday, after weeks of speculation West Ham finally sacked Julen Lopetegui.
The Spaniard lasted just eight months - and 22 games in charge of the Hammers, the shortest reign of a permanent manager or head coach in the club's 124-year history
Joining Ian Irving to analyse the decision to sack Lopetegui and replace him with Graham Potter are The Athletic's football correspondent David Ornstein and West Ham United writer Roshane Thomas.
Plus, Football Tactics writer Liam Tharme also drops-by to discuss Potter's fit at the London Stadium and look back on his previously successful spell in the Premier League with Brighton & Hove Albion.
Host: Ian Irving
With: David Ornstein, Roshane Thomas and Liam Tharme