West Ham’s manager, Julen Lopetegui, has called on the club’s fans to be patient and withhold their assessments of his leadership until the season concludes. The Spanish coach, who succeeded David Moyes during the summer, has faced mounting criticism after a poor start to the campaign, despite a hefty £120m investment in nine new players.
Challenging Start at the London Stadium
Lopetegui’s reign has seen the Hammers endure their worst-ever start to home fixtures, losing all three of their opening matches at the London Stadium for the first time in the club’s history. The latest blow came with a humiliating 5-1 defeat at the hands of Liverpool in the Carabao Cup, which only intensified concerns among the fanbase. The manager also faced backlash following a 3-0 home loss to Chelsea last weekend, where sections of supporters voiced their discontent.
Trust in the Process
Speaking to the press, the former Real Madrid and Spain manager addressed the pressure that comes with his role. “As a coach, you always have this kind of situation,” Lopetegui explained. “It’s about how we improve the team, how we develop our play, and how we can start winning games. The Premier League is a 38-match journey, and we’ll have a better idea in May.” Despite the rocky beginning, Lopetegui remains confident in his ability to turn things around and believes it is too early for fans to pass judgment on his performance.
Upcoming Opportunities to Rebound
Currently sitting 14th in the Premier League, West Ham face a crucial test with an upcoming trip to Brentford, followed by a home clash against Ipswich. The manager is optimistic these matches can serve as a springboard for improvement. “Winning is always important, especially after two defeats,” said Lopetegui. “Brentford is a strong team, and getting three points there could give us the boost we need. A victory raises confidence and brings many positives, and that’s what we’re working towards.”
The Hammers are hopeful that these fixtures will provide the platform they need to climb the league table and restore some faith in Lopetegui’s tenure.
