Guillem Balague says West Ham now have one of the best in the world but must be patient. Julen Lopetegui is under pressure to changes West Ham’s style but they have looked indifferent during pre-season and remain defensively brittle.
Hammers fans will fully get behind new head coach Julen Lopetegui. But there is no hiding he is a man under pressure from the get-go at West Ham. Not least because the club has backed the 57-year-old with what looks – on paper at least – West Ham’s best ever transfer window.
The vast majority of Hammers supporters were beyond tired of David Moyes’ risk averse, defensive tactics and approach. Indeed towards the end of his tenure last season, Moyes even admitted he understood fan frustration at his methods.
Lopetegui’s success will be measured on whether he can succeed where Moyes failed – by combining style with substance. That’s no easy task in the fiercely competitive Premier League. A brilliant window has raised hope and expectation at the London Stadium.
Lopetegui under pressure from the start at West Ham
It was not that long ago that when the reaction to Lopetegui replacing Moyes at West Ham was predominantly scathing in the press.
The world and its wife seemed to have their say on the appointment. And not many had good things to say about Lopetegui.
A top spokesman close to West Ham’s owners told Hammers News that was a result of Moyes having ‘many friends in the media’ but said Lopetegui was a ‘true pro’ and would prove it. If West Ham fans were looking to pre-season for clear evidence of a big shift in style of play then they have been found wanting.
The Hammers have been indifferent at best over the summer. And, worryingly, they continue to look extremely brittle at the back. That’s despite the presence of new £40m central defender Max Kilman.
In mitigation, Lopetegui has eight new signings to integrate, many of them for the first team. But with Aston Villa up first, concerns persist.
Balague: West Ham now have one of the best in the world
Now Guillem Balague has begged West Ham fans to be patient with new boss Lopetegui.
Journalist Balague was often a lone voice speaking up for his compatriot over the summer. Speaking after his appointment, Balague said West Ham now have one of the best managers around.
Now Balague has urged Hammers supporters to give Lopetegui time to integrate new signings while implementing his style and philosophy. He says West Ham supporters must appreciate they have one of the best managers in world football.
And Balague claims the Hammers will be richly rewarded if they stick by their new boss during what looks like being a tricky start to life at the club. “Julen Lopetegui is one of the best managers in the world!” Balague told the club’s website.
“The man belongs to football and West Ham United is the perfect match – we’re seeing an ambitious coach at an ambitious club.
“The philosophy is to change the style of play, and Lopetegui will certainly try to please the Hammers fans. This is a fantastic opportunity for them to go on a journey together with a team that will play strong, dynamic, direct football…
“Lopetegui gives everything to his club and, come the end of every season, he’s absolutely exhausted!”
‘Hammers fans will be richly rewarded if they show patience’
“The Hammers are in the hands of someone who’ll mould players in his own unique style – he’ll now be asking them to think, act and use their playing instincts differently.
“It’ll take players time to appreciate his methods, but he won’t mind them taking calculated risks for the good of the team. At first, they’ll find it unusual, but they’ll gradually add more strings to their bows.
“Put simply, Julen Lopetegui takes footballers and makes them better footballers.
“West Ham kick-off their new season against Aston Villa next Saturday, when the fans will be demanding and expectations high. But the Hammers face some difficult early fixtures and everyone needs to be patient, because it’s possible that there’ll be tough moments along the way.
“Remember, it always takes time for any new coach to transform a squad and put their own identity on a team, and it’s so important that everyone at West Ham United sticks together until things click into place.
