Chris Sutton has reacted after Gareth Southgate was backed to replace Julen Lopetegui as West Ham United manager.
The Hammers boss has come under increased pressure from supporters and pundits alike after the Irons were thrashed 4-1 by Tottenham on Saturday (19 October) in their first game after the international break
While it is unclear whether or not the Irons will part ways with the Spaniard, BBC Sport pundit Sutton has reacted after one fan suggested either Southgate or Graham Potter could be the next Hammers boss.
Speaking on BBC Radio Five Live’s 606 (19 October, 1:16:50) Sutton said: “What if Lopetegui gets replaced, you think West Ham should make that change do you?”
The fan replied: “I think if it doesn’t go right the next couple of weeks, you look at the likes of Graham Potter.
“I know Gareth Southgate said he was not going to into another job for a year or two but I think all managers, like Tuchel, he just left Bayern Munich and you’d think he’d have a lengthy spell out but he’s back into the England job.
I think either one of those two would do better than Lopetegui is doing. At Wolves he didn’t have the best time, I know he did well at Sevilla.
You’d like to get somebody in who has won something, I know Potter hasn’t one anything, but I reckon he’s got a better knowledge of the game and he’d do better at West Ham.”
Sutton responded: “Gareth Southgate and Graham Potter, the possibilities.”
Will West Ham sack Julen Lopetegui at the London Stadium?
While supporters are beginning to lose patience with Lopetegui, it seems unlikely that Southgate would be the man to get the Hammers’ fanbase back onside.
The former England manager has an impressive record during his time in charge of the Three Lions, but he remained a divisive figure among supporters who often questioned his defensive style of play and lack of front-foot football in the biggest games.
Partner that with his less-than-impressive club record and it doesn’t seem as though the former Middlesbrough man would be the right fit to succeed Lopetegui at the London Stadium if he were sacked.
Potter on the other hand would bring an attacking brand of football to East London that fans have been crying out for. If the Irons were to part ways with Lopetegui, he would be near the top of most supporters’ lists as a potential replacement.
hris Sutton has shared his thoughts on the swirling rumors about Gareth Southgate potentially replacing Julen Lopetegui as the next manager of West Ham United. Lopetegui is under growing pressure after West Ham’s recent 4-1 defeat to Tottenham on October 19, a disappointing return to Premier League action following the international break. The loss has left supporters questioning Lopetegui’s tactics, his suitability for the club, and his ability to lead West Ham into the future.
Despite Lopetegui’s accomplishments abroad—most notably his Europa League success with Sevilla—he has not fully convinced West Ham fans, and his recent performance has only intensified scrutiny from both fans and pundits. This uncertainty has fueled speculation that a change in leadership could be imminent, with Gareth Southgate and Graham Potter emerging as popular choices among fans.
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