West Ham’s struggling campaign hit a new low with a crushing 5-0 defeat by Liverpool at the London Stadium, leaving the Hammers in 13th place with just 23 points from 19 games.
Former West Ham striker Tony Cottee has been one of the loudest voices calling for change, urging the club to replace current manager Julen Lopetegui with ex-Brighton and Chelsea boss Graham Potter.
Tony Cottee urges West Ham to sack Lopetegui and sign Graham Potter
Cottee’s frustration reflects a growing sentiment among supporters who feel the team has underperformed under Lopetegui.
Leading to the social media platform XCottee did not hold back in his criticism of the club’s current trajectory:
“What is the Board waiting for? The 5-0 blow to City and knocked out of the Cup by Villa?!!! Get Graham Potter now and give him a chance to save the season and work in the January window… Yesterday was terrible and something has to change. Our fans deserve so much better.”
What is the Board waiting for? The 5-0 blow to City and knocked out of the Cup by Villa?!!! Get Graham Potter now and give him a chance to save the season and work in the January window… He was terrible yesterday and something has to change. Our fans deserve so much better????
— Tony Cottee (@TonyCottee9) December 30, 2024
Graham Potter’s impressive work in Brighton
Potter’s managerial credentials make him a compelling candidate for the role. At Brighton, he was instrumental in transforming the club into a competitive force in the Premier League, achieving their best ever league finish and winning plaudits for their flexible, possession-based style of play.
Reports suggest Lopetegui has two games to improve, including tough games against Manchester City in the Premier League and Aston Villa in the FA Cup. However, the pressure on the board to act decisively is growing.
Potter’s appointment could represent a calculated risk to stabilize the team and set it up for sustainable success. It’s a name that he has also been backed by Liverpool legend and Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher.
However, Potter is not the only name linked with the West Ham job. It was previously reported that the Hammers have held talks with former Juventus and AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri replacing Julen Lopetegui.
As the season progresses, West Ham must assess their options carefully to meet the expectations of their supporters.
