- Julen Lopetegui is under increasing amounts of pressure as West Ham manager
- Graham Potter is the leading candidate to replace him but has taken a new role
- LISTEN to It’s All Kicking Off! Jack Grealish won’t be allowed to drift at Man City… he’ll be sold this summer if things don’t change
Graham Potter has taken up a new position amid reports that he is in talks with West Ham owner David Sullivan over replacing under-pressure Julen Lopetegui.
Hammers head coach Lopetegui is believed to be close to the sack following a difficult start to life at the London Stadium.
And Mail Sport understands former Chelsea boss Potter is emerging as the club’s No 1 candidate to replace Lopetegui.
However, in the meantime, it was announced by the PFA Business School that Potter has joined as a course co-director for the certificate in Football Psychology, Emotional Intelligence and Leadership.
Potter, who was supported by the PFA when he graduated from the Open University in 2005 with a degree in Social Sciences, opened up on the positive impact of education in football.
‘In the end, the education helped me become a better person and a better player,’ he said.
Graham Potter is West Ham’s No 1 candidate to replace the beleaguered Julen Lopetegui
The Spaniard has struggled in his debut season with the Hammers, as they lie in 14th place
West Ham have won just seven out of their 22 games under Lopetegui since he joined last year
‘In football sometimes you lose a game and you prepare all week and it doesn’t feel very good.
‘Whereas studying just gave me a sense that you can work and achieve something and no one can take that away from you. You always have that qualification.
‘So, it’s quite a nice balance to the volatile world of football.
‘It’s very exciting that the PFA are doing this. Very exciting that they’re providing the opportunity for players to improve, to get qualifications, to tackle what comes at them in the next part of their lives in a positive way.
‘I’m happy to support this. It gives you knowledge, it helps you have clarity in thought. It’s an investment not just in the now, it’s an investment in your future.
‘My degree I got through the PFA’s help was a foundation for me in my career in management. Because without that degree I wouldn’t get my first job as a graduate.
‘So, I think education, education, education. That’s something I’d really advise.’
A photo of technical director Tim Steidten, who has not been present at West Ham’s training ground for three weeks, holding discreet talks with Potter at a venue believed to be the Stratford Hotel emerged on social media this week as pressure on Lopetegui grew.
Potter was dismissed in April 2023 by Chelsea after winning just 12 of his 31 games with them
Since then, he was previously linked to the England and Man United jobs in October last year
But while those discussions are believed to be historical, it is understood Sullivan and Potter have held further discussions over the last 48 hours.
There is an acknowledgement from multiple sources that Lopetegui’s position is under major threat heading into the upcoming FA Cup tie versus Aston Villa on Friday.
If Potter and West Ham can agree on a deal, it is expected that West Ham will call time on Lopetegui’s reign immediately.
Potter came close to replacing Lopetegui in December in a deal that would have seen him sign until the end of the season.
But the club decided to keep faith with the ex-Wolves boss despite the difficulties he has faced – but under the proviso that results improved.
Since then, West Ham went on a four match unbeaten run, but have lost their last two to Liverpool and Manchester City – conceding nine and scoring just once in the process.
And West Ham now look ready to make a change with Potter potentially in line for a return to football after leaving Chelsea in April 2023.