Lopetegui's position is untenable due to a combination of poor performances, a strained relationship with the club's technical director Tim Steidten, and the public nature of West Ham's talks with Graham Potter. The team has struggled defensively, conceding nine goals in their last two games, and there have been ongoing issues with player relationships and overall atmosphere at the club.
Graham Potter is seen as a good fit for West Ham due to his Premier League experience, particularly his successful tenure at Brighton. He is willing to take the job on a short-term basis, which aligns with West Ham's current needs. Potter's progressive, possession-based style of football could also appeal to West Ham fans, despite the risks involved in a relegation battle.
Nottingham Forest's form is remarkable because they are level on points with Arsenal, have secured wins against top teams like Manchester United and Liverpool, and are achieving an average of two points per game. Their success is particularly notable given their relatively low wage bill compared to other clubs in similar positions, and their pragmatic, counter-attacking style under Nuno Espírito Santo has proven highly effective.
Manchester United face significant financial challenges in signing Victor Jokeres, including the need to offload high-earning players like Casemiro and Marcus Rashford to comply with Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR). With Jokeres's £80 million buyout clause, United must generate funds through sales or loans before making such a high-value acquisition, which complicates their ability to compete with clubs like Bayern Munich.
Crystal Palace is likely to reject Chelsea's bid for Marc Guehi because the offer is considered too low, especially given Guehi's importance to the team. Palace are in a precarious position in the league and cannot afford to destabilize their squad by losing a key player mid-season. Additionally, Guehi's contract situation and past resistance to selling players for less than their valuation make a deal unlikely in this window.
Ange Postecoglou's recent interview controversy stems from his agitated tone and refusal to elaborate on his comments about a 'level playing field' after a contentious match. The FA has demanded clarity, viewing his behavior as potentially undermining the integrity of referees. While he is unlikely to be charged, the incident highlights the pressure on managers and the scrutiny they face in post-match interviews.
David Fulton is joined byThe Telegraph’s Jason Burt and The Indepedent's Miguel Delaney as they discuss the latest on Julen Lopetegui's future at West Ham as it has been rumoured that the club has been in discussion with Graham Potter, they also touch on Nottingham Forest's form as the East Midlands club moves to level on points with Arsenal and Chelsea register interest in Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi as The Blues look to strengthen their defensive options after an long-term injury to Wesley Fofana.