“Privately Confirmed” – BBC Journalist Shares Latest Update on Lopetegui and Steidten’s West Ham Future
West Ham Denies Julen Lopetegui Has Been Sacked, Says Simon Stone
On January 6, a BBC journalist reported that West Ham United has yet to decide on the future of Julen Lopetegui.
It has been clarified that technical director Tim Steidten is no longer working at the club’s training ground, not because he is leaving [talkSPORT, January 6], but to focus on securing new players during the January transfer window.
The BBC’s Simon Stone wrote on January 6: “West Ham is deliberating whether to sack Julen Lopetegui following Saturday’s heavy defeat against Manchester City.
“Hammers sources denied that Lopetegui has already been dismissed but acknowledged the former Real Madrid and Spain manager is under immense pressure.
“Technical director Tim Steidten has been seen conversing with Graham Potter, the former Chelsea and Brighton manager, who has previously been linked to the Hammers.
“According to West Ham sources, Steidten’s shift in focus is to prioritize current transfer window targets.”
However, Tim Steidten’s influence at West Ham has not been entirely positive.
He had very public disputes with David Moyes last season and now appears to be struggling to align with Lopetegui.
While Lopetegui’s recent performance arguably justifies his dismissal, Steidten’s role in hiring him raises questions.
If the technical director cannot collaborate effectively with the manager, his position may also warrant scrutiny.
Despite some positive recruitment decisions, certain players have been acquired for inflated fees, and gaps in the starting lineup remain unaddressed.
Looking ahead, whoever replaces Lopetegui must have a productive working relationship with Steidten.
If such a dynamic fails to materialize, the club’s owners might consider appointing a new technical director.
Ultimately, Steidten’s role should be to facilitate cohesion and maintain stability behind the scenes, rather than drawing public attention.
