West Ham legend Tony Gale has made a plea to fans over Julen Lopetegui and shared his honest verdict on three big signings.
There has been much excitement at West Ham over the summer.
As well as a new head coach, the Hammers have welcomed eight new signings to the London Stadium.
That has seen many tip West Ham to be the Premier League’s dark horses and bona fide European contenders.
The latest being Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher who has been raving about West Ham’s business.
Journalist Henry Winter has been equally impressed with West Ham’s window.
Jamie O’Hara and Gabby Agbonlhor even went as far as to suggest West Ham were now a real problem for the Premier League.
So there’s no hiding the fact the 2-1 defeat at home to Villa was a big disappointment.
While there were glimpses of promise from the Irons – such as having more possession and passes than Champions League Villa – it was a bit of a damp squib.
Gale makes Lopetegui plea and shares honest verdict on big three
After the way things ended with media favourite David Moyes in east London, the wider football press will have their knives sharpened for Julen Lopetegui.
Former Hammer Dean Aston believes West Ham’s superb window has piled more pressure on Lopetegui.
The Spaniard must somehow change the style of play and philosophy while getting results.
With so many new players that may be easier said than done.
However, the job done in a short space of time by the likes of Oliver Glasner and others shows it is, indeed, possible.
One Hammers legend who was in attendance for the Villa defeat was Tony Gale.
The pundit was speaking pitchside at the London Stadium and had some interesting points to make.
Gale made a plea about Lopetegui and shared his honest verdict on three big West Ham signings.
Gale on Niclas Fullkrug
Running the rule over West Ham’s new first choice striker Niclas Fullkrug, Gale believes Lopetegui has someone who can hit the ground running.
But he said Fullkrug’s success will be dictated by West Ham’s ability to get quality crosses in to the German.
“He’s a proven goalscorer in the top flight over in Germany,” Gale said at the London Stadium.
“I think he can hit the floor running here and with Jarrod Bowen one side and Mohammed Kudus the other side, I’m looking forward to seeing more crosses into the area because he’s particularly good in the air.
“Isn’t that great someone we can see actually heading the ball. Michail (Antonio) is good but we didn’t really get enough balls in the box last season. This season I think we’ll be looking to get a few more crosses in (For Fullkrug).”
Gale on Jean-Clair Todibo
The former Hammers defender believes new centre-back Jean-Clair Todibo will help transform the team as the distribution from the back drastically improves.
“I’m looking forward to seeing him and what we’re likely to see this season is the distribution will be better out of the back,” Gale said.
“That’s where it starts – the centre-backs. We’ve got Max Kilman who is very good on the ball, very comfortable, now Todibo as well.
“So let’s see a bit more passing in between the lines, that starts with the centre-backs and it looks really exciting.”
Gale on Aaron Wan-Bissaka
The eighth and latest of West Ham’s arrivals, the capture of Aaron Wan-Bissaka has seriously impressed the football world.
Gale reiterated that the Hammers have signed one of the best one-on-one defenders around.
And he says Wan-Bissaka’s arrival will mean the likes of Bowen or Kudus will have a lot less work to do tracking back.
“One of the best defenders around one-on-one,” Gale said.
“He’s so good one-on-one the winger doesn’t have to track back. Bowen or Kudus whoever is on that side doesn’t have to track back because one-on-one he’s really one of the best.
“I think with Wan-Bissaka it’s really looking good now.”
But there was one final word from Gale about the new manager.
The Hammers legend appealed to fans to give the Spaniard time to implement his ideas.
‘Remember 86’ Gale pleads with West Ham fans
He also pointed out that West Ham’s opening clutch of fixtures is not the kindest on paper.
However he urged fans to stick with Lopetegui and the team if they do struggle at the start of the season, using the famous Boys of 86 campaign as the perfect example.
“My message to the fans is back in 1986, our best ever finish, a lot of people forget we actually lost the first six games,” Gale added.
Food for thought indeed.
West Ham head to Palace next.
The Hammers will be apoplectic about a Premier League announcement ahead of that clash.
But there could be some good news for Lopetegui from the transfer market as he goes in search of that first West Ham win.
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