The Athletic FC Podcast
Lopetegui to Potter: Inside West Ham's crazy week
Jan 9, 2025
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.
40:51
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Quick takeaways
- 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.
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