West Ham’s decision to appoint Julen Lopetegui in the first place has was ‘stupid’ and ‘pathetic’.
That’s the view of former Hammers striker Tony Cottee, who called on the club’s board to take responsibility with Lopetegui’s time in the dugout in east London set to be at an end.
Cottee, who scored 131 goals in over 300 appearances for the Hammers, can’t believe his former club went through with appointing Lopetegui as David Moyes’ replacement.
Cottee said on Hawksbee & Jacobs: “I think they should hang their heads in shame; Tim Steidten and David Sullivan and the board because it’s just a pathetic appointment.
“They should never have done it in the first place. It was just so the wrong appointment.
“You can blame Lopetegui. He’s been poor, he’s made bad decisions tactically, he’s been all over the place, they’ve spent lots of money. Defensively, God knows how many goals they’ve conceded, but Tim Steidten is the director of football.
“David Sullivan’s in charge of the football side of things. From the board’s point of view, they’ve got to take responsibility. They can’t keep making these stupid mistakes.
“If you’re gonna change the manager and get rid of what was one of the most successful managers in West Ham’s history in terms of winning the trophy, you’ve got to make the right appointment.”
A formal announcement of Lopetegui’s departure hasn’t been made but West Ham’s 4-1 defeat to Man City last weekend appears to be the final straw.
Lopetegui, who had previously had spells at the Spanish national team, Real Madrid, Porto and Wolves, led West Ham to languish in 14th in the Premier League table.
The side have picked up just 20 points, losing nine games so far with heavy defeats to Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City in recent weeks.
talkSPORT understands that ex-Chelsea and Brighton boss Graham Potter is in talks to replace Lopetegui and is expected to be named as his replacement.
Potter has been out of work since he left the Blues in April 2023 following a successful stint at Brighton.
On Potter, Cottee said: “I think they’ve got to go with him. He did well at Brighton, did the Chelsea job which as we know was a difficult job, and it could have ended a lot better for him, we all know that.
“I think West Ham need someone to come in, I think they need a British manager from the fans’ point of view and someone who’s gonna give them a bit of hope.
“I’m pleased they’ve done it today because at least it gives the new manager, if he comes in quickly to have a go at the FA Cup because there’s nothing else left for West Ham.
“They’re in the bottom half of the table, they’re not gonna get in Europe. Have a go at winning the FA Cup and play your strongest team”.
West Ham face Aston Villa away from home in the FA Cup on Friday before Fulham travel to the London Stadium on January 14.