“What are the board waiting for?” – Tony Cottee calls on West Ham to sack Lopetegui and appoint ex-Premier League manager

West Ham’s struggling season 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 Côté has been one of the loudest voices calling for a change, urging the club to replace current manager Julen Lopetegui with ex-Brighton and Chelsea boss Graham Potter.

Tony Cottee is urging West Ham to sack Lopetegui and sign Graham Potter

Cottee’s frustration reflects a growing sentiment among fans who believe the team has underperformed under Lopetegui.

Go to social media platform XCottee didn’t hold back in his criticism of the club’s current run:

“What does the board expect? City’s 5-0 and the removal of the Cup from Villa?!!! Get Graham Potter now and give him a chance to save the season and work in the Jan window… Yesterday was terrible and something has to change. Our fans deserve much better.”

What does the board expect? City’s 5-0 and the removal of the Cup from Villa?!!! Get Graham Potter now and give him a chance to save the season and work in the Jan window… Yesterday was terrible 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 directorial credentials make him an exciting candidate for the role. At Brighton, he was instrumental in transforming the club into a competitive force in the Premier League, achieving the highest finish in the league’s history and winning plaudits for his flexible, possession-based style of play.

Reports suggest that 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 mounting.

Potter’s appointment could represent a calculated risk to stabilize the team and put it on a path to sustainable success. It is a name that he has been backed by Liverpool legend and Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher as well.

However, Potter is not the only name linked with the West Ham job. It has been previously reported that the Hammers held talks with former Juventus and AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri beyond replacing Julen Lopetegui.

As the season progresses, West Ham must carefully assess their options in order to meet the expectations of their fans.