“Dreadful” – Tony Cottee Criticizes West Ham Board and Suggests Replacement for Lopetegui

West Ham legend Tony Cottee has criticized the club’s board for not sacking Julen Lopetegui yet, sarcastically questioning if they are waiting for a heavy defeat to Manchester City or an FA Cup exit at the hands of Aston Villa before making a decision.

Cottee emphasized the need to appoint Graham Potter immediately and back him during the January transfer window to salvage the season.

“What are the Board waiting for? The 5-0 drubbing at City and being knocked out of the Cup by Villa?!” Cottee posted on X (30 December).

“Get Graham Potter in now and give him a chance to save the season and work in the January window.

Yesterday was dreadful, and something has to change. Our fans deserve so much better.”

Could David Sullivan Replace Lopetegui with Graham Potter?

Club chairman David Sullivan has historically been hesitant to sack managers midseason, which may explain why Lopetegui remains in charge.

Appointing the Spaniard in the summer, West Ham would likely need to pay a compensation fee if they were to terminate his contract now.

According to talkSPORT (30 December), Lopetegui has two more games to save his job, but there are few signs he can turn things around.

West Ham currently sit 13th in the Premier League, just nine points clear of the relegation zone.

While relegation seems unlikely, the club’s struggles are disheartening given their UEFA Conference League triumph just over a year ago.

With Graham Potter available after his dismissal from Chelsea in April 2023, Sullivan and the board’s decision to stick with Lopetegui appears increasingly questionable.

The January transfer window opens soon, presenting an ideal opportunity to bring in Potter and allow him to reshape the squad.

Hiring Potter could be the bold move West Ham needs to stabilize their season and offer fans the improvement they deserve.