Change of Tactics- early signs are looking good. Watching yesterday’s friendly game in Austria, many would have found the match lacklustre as Hammers’ players plus Academy recruits played their first 90 minutes: Most, apart from Freddie Potts were changed at half time so their run-outs were limited to 45 minutes.
Under new boss Lopetegui it was clear many of the younger players were keen to impress. The main question for me was – what kind of formation and tactics were The Irons set on developing? Were there any signs yesterday that would make me believe that the defensive approach of the previous era was being addressed?
It will be a gradual shift, especially with the already noted absence of so many first team players.
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However, the signs were there that a different philosophy abounds now, and team tactics are evolving. Compared with lacklustre 2023-4, what was apparent from the start was the evolution of a new energy and a desire to close down opposition players, often co-ordinating as a three or four player unit to attack the opponent with the ball.
Whether labelled as ‘high press’ or ‘low press’ – there was a greater co-ordination and desire to win the ball back which had been sorely missing last year: Often pre-Lopetegui, Hammers’ defenders just hoofed it up towards Antonio and waited for the opposition to attack again in a style more reminiscent of playground ‘attack vs defence’.
No wonder Irons’ defenders looked outclassed in last years’ PL campaign, I’ll bet they had to defend for longer each game than most other Premier League teams. Hopefully this has given way now to a much more aggressive style to win the ball back when out of possession.
West Ham – refreshingly – were closing down more: Easy when players only had to do it for 45 minutes, but if this is the blue print for the future, many supporters and neutrals will be mighty pleased: It would be a much more entertaining spectacle if the East Londoners changed style.
Combined with a desire to get further up the pitch, instead of parking the bus on the 18 yard line and gradually dropping deeper, the change of style was in its infancy but welcome nonetheless. It is probably the single most exciting ‘take away’ from yesterdays game and one which will need watching over the rest of the pre-season friendlies.
If it continues then West Ham might actually be planning to play on the front foot, utilising the undoubted attacking skill which absent internationals have, but under instruction, had to harness in favour of dour defensive duties – about which enough has been said. Looking forward to seeing the (r)evolution!
