West Ham United have made an offer and held talks with an “incredible” European manager this week as they scour the market for a potential Julen Lopetegui replacement, with the Spaniard’s job hanging by a thread.
Julen Lopetegui battles against West Ham sack with Wolves game crucial
Lopetegui has now been handed the Wolves game on Monday as one last chance to save himself from the Hammers axe, according to multiple reports in the media, and their clash against Gary O’Neil’s side is seen as crucial in determining his immediate future.
Graham Potter alternative keen on West Ham job and making trips to London
Lopetegui has one last chance against Wolves this weekend.
1 ByEmilio GalantiniDec 6, 2024
The Telegraph claims the Wolves game is seen as a “cup final” to decide Lopetegui’s fate, while it is believed former Chelsea and Brighton head coach Graham Potter is in pole position for the West Ham job if they do decide to part company with the 58-year-old.
In any case, Lopetegui is clinging to his position by a thread, as West Ham reportedly shortlist a number of candidates for their vacant managerial position.
Match
Date
Opponent
Competition
Result
#16
03/12/2024
Leicester City (A)
Premier League
3-1
#15
30/11/2024
Arsenal (H)
Premier League
5-2
#14
26/11/2024
Newcastle United (A)
Premier League
2-0 win
#13
09/11/2024
Everton (H)
Premier League
0-0 draw
#12
02/11/2024
Nottingham Forest (A)
Premier League
3-0 loss
#11
27/10/2024
Man United (H)
Premier League
2-1 win
#10
19/10/2024
Tottenham (A)
Premier League
4-1 loss
There were reports that Potter was poised to be appointed by West Ham, with Lopetegui “set to be sacked”, but this turned out to be premature. GiveMeSport reporter Ben Jacobs, taking to X, shared the familiar faces on their radar, whilst also lifting the lid on a very young, progressive new name.
Former West Ham backroom coach Edin Terzic is a particularly interesting name, not least because he worked under Slaven Bilic at the London Stadium in an assistant capacity.
The German guided Borussia Dortmund to an unlikely Champions League final against Real Madrid last season, and is out of work, but Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg shared that Terzic won’t be West Ham’s new manager after all.
Edin Terzic rejects West Ham offer in talks to replace Julen Lopetegui
German newspaper Bild, via Sport Witness, have now shared exactly why the 42-year-old won’t be enjoying a homecoming to Rush Green.
It is believed West Ham have made an offer to Terzic, during talks on Wednesday, but he flatly turned down their approach with the Hammers’ proposal not to his liking.
Technical director Tim Steidten and co were apparently refuted because Terzic has his sights set on coaching a team higher than 14th in the table, with the tactician apparently making it clear that he wasn’t interested in succeeding Lopetegui.
The coach is very young and has already made some noteworthy accomplishments in the early stages of his managerial career, including two major trophies at Dortmund, so this could be seen as a real disappointment by supporters.
Noted for his “incredible” work at Dortmund, it appears West Ham won’t be able to turn to their ex-employee in search of a resurgence.