Former Hammers captain Nigel Reo-Coker says an out of work boss would’ve taken West Ham to the next level.
West Ham are set to appoint Julen Lopetegui, a former manager of Spain, Real Madrid, and Sevilla, as their new boss. However, the media reaction to this decision has been largely negative. Among West Ham fans, the response to Lopetegui’s imminent arrival has been mixed, and the football press has been predominantly critical.
Much of the criticism is attributed to David Moyes’ strong media presence and friendships, making backlash against West Ham’s owners somewhat expected when they chose to move on from Moyes. The decision by owner David Sullivan was solidified after a crushing 5-0 defeat to Chelsea two weeks ago.
Ironically, two former Chelsea managers, Thomas Tuchel and Graham Potter, were on West Ham’s shortlist to replace Moyes. In February, a journalist reported that Potter was a top candidate, and speculation grew when Potter declined the Ajax job, leading many to believe he was waiting for the West Ham position. However, Lopetegui impressed Sullivan in his interview, as revealed by Graeme Bailey to Hammers News.
Lopetegui is set to become West Ham’s 18th permanent manager in 129 years. Despite this, very few, apart from his compatriot Guillem Balague, support the owners’ decision. Recently, former West Ham captain Nigel Reo-Coker added his voice to the growing list of doubters.
Reo-Coker says Potter would’ve taken West Ham to next level
Nigel Reo-Coker believes that former Brighton manager Graham Potter would have been the right choice to elevate West Ham United, rather than the newly appointed Julen Lopetegui. Reo-Coker expressed his opinion on 5 Live Sport’s Friday Football Social, stating, “I personally don’t feel that’s the right fit for the club,” and criticized how David Moyes was treated. He added, “Their next step should have been Graham Potter. I felt that’s the manager that takes them to the next level. Lopetegui for me is not the right hire there.”
Reo-Coker’s doubts are shared by others, including Stan Collymore, who suggested there are better options than Lopetegui and called the appointment a ‘disgrace.’ Club legend Julian Dicks has also expressed serious concerns, and Paul Merson has commented that Lopetegui could spend 25 years at West Ham without achieving what Moyes did. Furthermore, Troy Deeney has made a surprising prediction about Lopetegui’s performance in his first 10 games.
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