West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui faces a critical match tonight against Wolves, with his job hanging in the balance at the London Stadium.
The Spaniard could be sacked if the Hammers suffer defeat, with two high-profile managers already lined up as potential replacements.
Former Chelsea boss Graham Potter and ex-West Ham manager David Moyes have both indicated their willingness to take charge, with Potter open to an interim role until the season’s end.
The mounting pressure follows a disappointing run of form, with West Ham winning just once in their last five Premier League fixtures.
Julen Lopetegui is fighting for his job at West Ham
Reuters
Graham Potter, who has been out of work since leaving Chelsea in April, is ready to return to management and would consider a short-term appointment at West Ham.
TalkSPORT reported that the former Brighton manager is willing to take the helm until the end of the season if Lopetegui departs.
The Hammers are considering making a short-term appointment to steer them away from any relegation threat.
Former Juventus boss Max Allegri has also held talks with the London Stadium hierarchy, though he would only consider taking the role next summer.
David Moyes has informed West Ham’s hierarchy that he would be open to a third spell at the club, even on a short-term basis.
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David Moyes would be happy to return to West Ham for a third time
Reuters
The 61-year-old reportedly feels he has unfinished business at the club and was unhappy with how his second stint ended.
West Ham currently sit 14th in the Premier League table, six points clear of the relegation zone.
Tonight’s crucial clash at the London Stadium has been dubbed ‘El Sackico’, with both managers under intense pressure.
Wolves, managed by Gary O’Neil, are in an even more precarious position, sitting second from bottom and four points from safety.
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Graham Potter is also keen on taking the West Ham job
PA
The match, kicking off at 8pm, could prove decisive for both managers’ futures.
Further pressure was heaped on Lopetegui following his side’s recent 3-1 defeat away at Leicester last Tuesday.
Lopetegui, who took charge in May following Moyes’ departure, has struggled to make an impact despite significant investment.
The club spent £130m on transfers last summer, but results have failed to match expectations.
Gary O’Neil is also fighting for his job
Reuters
The Spaniard’s tenure has been described as “a disaster” by some observers, leading the Hammers to already draw up a list of potential replacements.
A defeat against Wolves tonight would almost certainly spell the end of Lopetegui’s brief reign at the London Stadium.
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