West Ham United have reportedly compiled a three-manager shortlist featuring three former Chelsea tacticians to identify a replacement for Julen Lopetegui.
According to a report by Spanish outlet Fichajes, Julen Lopetegui is on thin ice at West Ham United after an unsatisfactory start to the 2024/25 season. Time is running out for the Spanish tactician to turn his fortunes around at the East London club. So, the Hammers have identified three former Chelsea managers — Frank Lampard, Graham Potter, and Thomas Tuchel — as candidates to replace Lopetegui.
Julen Lopetegui would have hoped to transform West Ham United into European regulars after the East London club got a taste of continental football and glory under David Moyes. The Premier League club played in the UEFA Europa Conference League and the UEFA Europa League under the former Manchester United manager.
However, Lopetegui has made an inadequate start to the 2024/25 season. While the East London outfit lost to Aston Villa in the Premier League opener, the team’s performance was promising. West Ham clinched successive victories after that defeat to Aston Villa. However, they have been without a win since then.
The Hammers have suffered heavy defeats to Manchester City, Chelsea, and Liverpool, with the fanbase becoming increasingly vocal against the performances. So, the pressure is growing on Lopetegui, with the Spaniard reportedly having a three-game window to save his job at the London Stadium.
West Ham United would not have anticipated parting ways with Julen Lopetegui this early into the 2024/25 season. However, the results are forcing their hand after an impressive summer transfer window. So, three former Chelsea managers have emerged as targets to replace the Spanish tactician, with West Ham considering Frank Lampard, Graham Potter, and Thomas Tuchel as the candidates to take over.
The three former Chelsea managers are currently free agents, looking for their next job. Potter and Tuchel have been well-liked in the market, with many clubs setting their sights on him. While Lampard has not been as admired as the other two tacticians, he features on West Ham’s wishlist.
For now, Lopetegui has the backing of the decision-makers at West Ham United. However, the Spaniard might run out of time soon if he does not turn things around in the coming weeks. It will be interesting to see if Lampard, Potter, and Tuchel come under serious consideration at the West London club.
