West Ham sack Julen Lopetegui — fifth EPL manager dismissed this season

West Ham United have announced the sack of Julen Lopetegui as the club’s head coach.

The club confirmed the 58-year-old Spaniard’s exit in a statement on its website on Wednesday.

West Ham revealed that Lopetegui’s performance as coach does not align with the club’s ambitions.

“West Ham United can confirm that Head Coach Julen Lopetegui has today left the Club,” the statement reads.

“The first half of the 2024/25 season has not aligned with the Club’s ambitions, and the Club has therefore taken action in line with its objectives.”

Lopetegui replaced David Moyes in May, and the former Real Madrid manager left the Hammers job just seven months into his reign. He previously lasted nine months at Wolverhampton Wanderers, leaving the post less than a week before the start of the 2023/24 season.

He becomes the fifth EPL manager to be sacked this season.

West Ham have conceded 39 goals in the EPL this season — the fourth-worst record so far — and suffered heavy defeats in most of their matches under Lopetegui. The latest was a 4-1 thumping at off-form Manchester City, EPL champions, last weekend. Consequently, the London club also laid off Lopetegui’s supporting coaching staff.

The club also added that a Lopetegui’s replacement will soon be appointed.

“The Club can confirm that Assistant Head Coach Pablo Sanz, Head of Performance Oscar Caro, Head Analyst Juan Vicente Peinado, Fitness Coach Borja De Alba and Technical Coach Edu Rubio have also left with immediate effect,” the statement reads.

“The Board would like to thank Julen and his staff for their hard work during their time with the Hammers and wish them every success for the future.

“The process of appointing a replacement is underway.”

West Ham United have won just six times in 20 league matches so far this season, losing nine times. They are 14th in the EPL with 23 points, seven points away from relegation.