Mark Noble's role in Julen Lopetegui sacking revealed after West Ham stars made complaints

Mark Noble is West Ham's sporting director (Image: Getty)

West Ham icon Mark Noble wanted a change in manager after learning that players had struggled to form direct contact with sacked boss Julen Lopetegui, reports claim. The former midfielder wields significant power with the Premier League club as their sporting director.

Lopetegui was finally put out of his misery today after persistent rumours of his impending departure. Saturday’s 5-1 mauling by Manchester City was the final straw but the Spaniard had been walking a tightrope for some time.

It is said that Lopetegui used his technical coach, Edu Rubio, as a go-between for players as he speaks fluent English. However, some stars had complained that they wanted more direct contact with their head coach.

According to The Times, Noble was made aware of those complaints and came to the conclusion that a change in manager was required. The 37-year-old is close with players, many of whom remain from his time as the club’s captain.

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Lopetegui reportedly also clashed with technical director Tim Steidten. They had initially been inseparable but their relationship is claimed to have soured when Lopetegui learned that Steidten was sourcing his replacement.

West Ham backed the 58-year-old with 10 summer signings costing £120million. But results did not match that heavy spending and a brutal club statement said that the season had not “aligned” with ambitions.

Lopetegui’s press conference ahead of Friday’s FA Cup clash with Aston Villa was cancelled ahead of today’s announcement.

It is widely understood that West Ham are set to appoint Graham Potter as Lopetegui’s replacement. The 49-year-old has not been in work since being sacked by Chelsea in April 2023.

Julen Lopetegui was sacked after West Ham concluded that results did not match their ambitions (Image: Getty) SUBSCRIBE Invalid email

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Potter was linked with the England job before Thomas Tuchel’s appointment in November. He was also loosely suggested as a replacement for Erik ten Hag before Manchester United appointed Ruben Amorim.

Speaking about returning to management last September, Potter said: "It still has to be the right thing, but I’m excited for it. I’m excited to hear what the opportunities are and I’ll take each one and judge it on its merits.”

The Daily Telegraph claims that Potter has agreed to join West Ham on a deal until 2027. He is expected to be in charge of the cup tie against Villa. Sacking Lopetegui could cost the Hammers £3m in compensation.

Mark Noble's role in Julen Lopetegui sacking revealed after West Ham stars made complaints

Mark Noble's role in Julen Lopetegui sacking revealed after West Ham stars made complaints

Mark Noble's role in Julen Lopetegui sacking revealed after West Ham stars made complaints

Mark Noble's role in Julen Lopetegui sacking revealed after West Ham stars made complaints

Mark Noble's role in Julen Lopetegui sacking revealed after West Ham stars made complaints