Julen Lopetegui has come under intense scrutiny for his team selection and tactics after only five Premier League games in charge of West Ham. The Hammers currently find themselves 14th in the league with just four points. As they gear up for a crucial match against Brentford, Lopetegui is determined to address the issues plaguing his team.
Team Selection Issues
West Ham’s new manager, Julen Lopetegui, has faced criticism for his team selection choices. With a talented squad at his disposal, fans and critics alike are puzzled by his decisions. For instance, Tomas Soucek, a pivotal player, has been inconsistently used, either starting, being benched, or brought on during matches.
This inconsistency has not helped the team build a solid foundation. Jamie Redknapp commented that the manager is ‘still struggling to find his best team.’ The continual chopping and changing have left players uncertain of their roles and responsibilities on the pitch.
Tactical Missteps
Lopetegui’s tactical approach has come under fire, especially after matches against top teams. The Hammers have conceded early goals consistently, disrupting their game plan and forcing them to play catch-up. This issue isn’t new; they’ve conceded five goals within the first five minutes of games this season.
Moreover, their defensive frailties are glaring. Former player and coach Kevin Nolan criticized the poor defending, particularly during crucial moments against Liverpool. ‘He’s probably got the most talented squad West Ham have had for many a year and so he’s got to get the right team at the right time,’ said Paul Merson.
Slow Starts and Poor Finishes
One of the most concerning aspects of West Ham’s gameplay has been their inability to start strong. Fans noticed this during the matches against Chelsea and Liverpool. These slow starts have placed the team at a disadvantage right from the beginning. This season, they have conceded goals in the opening minutes, leading to demoralizing deficits.
Even when West Ham managed to take the lead, such as in their cup tie against Liverpool, they quickly squandered it. In the Premier League, their poor finishes have cost them valuable points. Mohamed Salah’s goal within minutes of Edson Alvarez’s sending off epitomizes their endgame struggles.
Fan Unrest and its Impact
Adding to Lopetegui’s challenges is the current unrest among West Ham supporters. The club’s decision to eliminate junior and Over-66 concessions for new season ticket holders has caused widespread dissatisfaction. This unrest was evident during West Ham’s recent home games where fans expressed their disappointment.
The team’s poor performances have only exacerbated the situation. The atmosphere at home games has become tense, with fans jeering substitutions and leaving early. Lopetegui must navigate this challenging environment while trying to secure much-needed victories.
Poor form has come against the backdrop of fan protest
New Signings Yet to Gel
Despite spending £155 million on nine new players, West Ham’s new signings have yet to form a cohesive unit. Key players like Max Kilman and Jean-Clair Todibo have faced criticism for their performances. Aaron Wan-Bissaka, brought in to bolster the defence, has not made the desired impact.
This lack of cohesion is evident. Lopetegui acknowledged his mistake in starting with Guido Rodriguez against Chelsea, leading to an early substitution. As they prepare to face Brentford, finding the right balance with new recruits remains a pressing concern.
Against Chelsea, Guido Rodriguez was the fall guy with his early withdrawal.
Upcoming Fixtures and High Stakes
West Ham’s upcoming fixtures add to the pressure on Lopetegui. Matches against Brentford and Ipswich Town are now seen as must-win games. These high-pressure encounters will test Lopetegui’s ability to turn the tide and instill confidence in his squad.
The Hammers’ poor home form adds another layer of complexity. They have faced consecutive home defeats against teams playing in Europe this season. The contrast between their home and away performances highlights the inconsistencies that Lopetegui must address promptly.
Calls for Improvement from Within
Within the club, there is a clear recognition of the need for improvement. Lopetegui has emphasized the importance of hard work and the need to secure victories. He stated, ‘We know we have to improve. We are sure that the Premier League is going to be long for all of us and I’m sure these players are going to overcome.’
Players, too, are aware of the expectations. The upcoming matches will serve as a litmus test for both the manager and the squad. It remains to be seen whether they can rise to the occasion and start delivering consistent performances.
The Road Ahead
Looking ahead, the road is challenging for Lopetegui and his team. The Premier League is unforgiving, and time is of the essence. With key players returning from injury and new signings needing to step up, there is hope for improvement.
West Ham’s next six games include crucial encounters that could define their season. Success in these fixtures will not only lift the team’s morale but also alleviate the mounting pressure on Lopetegui.
In summary, Julen Lopetegui’s tenure at West Ham has been fraught with challenges, from team selection issues to fan unrest. The upcoming matches present an opportunity for redemption. It remains to be seen whether the new Hammers boss can turn things around and lead the team to success.
