Julen Lopetegui rowed with West Ham chief over one player which 'soured relationship'

Julen Lopetegui reportedly rowed with West Ham technical director Tim Steidten over the future of centre-back Jean-Clair Todibo, who has struggled to make an impression since joining the club from Nice in the summer. The former Real Madrid and Wolves boss departed the Hammers on Wednesday, little more than six months after succeeding David Moyes in the London Stadium dugout.

Lopetegui endured a miserable spell at West Ham and was only able to lead the team to six Premier League wins in 20 attempts.

He has been replaced by Graham Potter, with the Hammers announcing the arrival of the Englishman on Thursday morning.

According to The Times, Lopetegui and Steidten were inseparable after the Spaniard took over in east London and were often seen discussing matters over coffee.

But their relationship soured as they clashed over the future of a host of players, with Lopetegui also unhappy that Steidten was actively pursuing his successor in the dugout.

And earlier this week, Lopetegui even asked the German to stay away from the club’s training ground in Essex.

Todibo was tracked by a string of Premier League clubs ahead of his arrival in England last summer and appeared to be edging towards a move to Manchester United. But the deal was blocked by UEFA as United and Nice both qualified for the Europa League, and Sir Jim Ratcliffe has a stake in both clubs.

Todibo eventually joined West Ham in an initial loan deal, with the Hammers obligated to pay Nice £34million to make the transfer permanent this year.

But the 25-year-old has failed to live up to his billing and has only started eight Premier League matches this term.

He has been forced to share game time with Konstantinos Mavropanos, with the Hammers conceding an average of almost two goals per game in the top flight.

Steidten, himself, is coming under increasing pressure in the capital, with the summer captures of Luis Guilherme, Niclas Fullkrug and Guido Rodriguez failing to inspire confidence.

And there is said to be an impression at the London Stadium that the 45-year-old is looking for a new role elsewhere after being slightly sidelined in the club’s transfer dealings this month.

Lopetegui, meanwhile, will lick his wounds before deciding on his next role, with West Ham explaining in a statement earlier this week: “The first half of the 2024/25 season has not aligned with the club’s ambitions and the club has therefore taken action in line with its objectives.

“The board would like to thank Julen and his staff for their hard work during their time with the Hammers and wish them every success for the future.”