West Ham have contacted two former Premier League managers, Graham Potter and Julen Lopetegui, in the ‘past few hours’ as they look to replace David Moyes.
Despite an increasingly strained relationship, the veteran Hammers manager’s contract with the club is slated to expire at the end of this season. That would require the outfit to secure a replacement appointment sooner rather than later.
Weekend Sports reporter Sebastien Vidal says that West Ham had contacted Potter and Lopetegui in recent hours to gauge their interest in the role. He wrote: “West Ham have contacted Graham Potter and Lopetegui in the last few hours.” Contact has been made to speak with the two coaches. The club wants to prepare and begin preparations in case David Moyes goes in the coming weeks.
Former Brighton and Chelsea manager Potter has been out of work since leaving the Blues last year and is a regular candidate for vacant Premier League jobs. Lopetegui, who has worked with Sevilla, Porto, and the Spanish national team, has also been out of work since leaving Wolves last year due to the club’s financial situation.
Moyes led West Ham to a historic Europa Conference League championship last summer, but uneven performances this season have turned the previous campaign’s jubilant climax into a cold one. The Hammers remain 9th in the Premier League, but have lost their previous three league games.
According to The Mirror, West Ham have ‘no plans’ to fire Moyes, despite rumours and ‘Moyes Out’ banners unfurled by supporters after last weekend’s 2-0 loss to Nottingham Forest. The former Everton and Manchester United manager has yet to sign a new deal with the club.
Moyes commented on the situation, saying, “Maybe they’ve had managers who excite them more, but the one who’s sitting here wins more.” I’m very sad that we didn’t win today, as well as a few other results. But don’t forget the excellent results, or the wins this season. We are in a strong position [ninth in the table], whereas we were near the bottom last season.
