“Poor Judgment” – Merson Criticizes Steidten’s Actions Before West Ham Sacked Lopetegui

Julen Lopetegui was dismissed by West Ham after managing just 22 games across all competitions, achieving a win rate of only 45% and leaving the team in 14th place in the Premier League.

Before co-owner David Sullivan made the decision, images emerged of technical director Tim Steidten reportedly meeting with Graham Potter [@WestHamTransfer via X].

It remains unclear if these photos were recent or intended to stir controversy.

Speaking on Sky Sports News on 11 January at 12:37 pm, Paul Merson criticized the situation: “It was poor to have that picture of Potter and the sporting director.

These meetings happen, of course, but not in public. You can get away with it in private.

Don’t worry for Lopetegui—he’s going to get paid. It’ll hurt, but he had to stick with it. If he’d walked away, he wouldn’t have got anything.”

Tim Steidten has become a contentious figure at West Ham United.

Many fans and analysts believe the technical director shares responsibility for the turmoil at the club and should follow Lopetegui out the door.

According to The Telegraph, Steidten was recently told to stay away from the club’s Rush Green training ground, echoing a similar situation during David Moyes’ tenure.

Lopetegui’s departure seemed inevitable as fans grew increasingly frustrated with the team’s performances since he replaced Moyes.

However, reports from The Guardian suggest Lopetegui’s camp is angry with Steidten’s behavior, indicating the Spaniard wasn’t the sole issue at the club.

With Merson now highlighting Lopetegui’s treatment, parallels are being drawn to the handling of David Moyes’ exit.

This ongoing drama reflects a troubling trend at West Ham, with questions about leadership and decision-making continuing to plague the club.