A West Ham star says life under Julen Lopetegui isn’t for the faint-hearted and makes an eye-opening admission about it.
New head coach Julen Lopetegui means business at West Ham.
Some Hammers fans were – and remain – sceptical of the Spaniard’s appointment.
But when he was officially unveiled by West Ham, he quickly won many doubters as his fierce ambition came across loud and clear.
The proof of the pudding, as they say, will be in the eating of course.
Evidence thus far is inconclusive in many respects. There have been tantalising glimpses of a brave new style of football more in line with the expectations of West Ham fans.
A high energy, high pressing brand of play that could not be more opposite to the preferred tactics of the man Lopetegui replaced at West Ham, David Moyes.
Combining substance with style is not easy on West Ham’s budget.
Lopetegui has much work to do at West Ham
Moyes admitted himself he tried and failed to do that towards the end.
But the 3-1 defeat to Wolves on Sunday has alarmed some, with the same old defensive fragility all too prevalent.
Lopetegui is desperate to sign a new centre-back partner for £40m arrival Max Kilman. The ex Spain boss wants Aaron Wan-Bissaka at right-back too.
The Hammers are looking to make five more signings this summer. But whatever happens in the last month of the transfer window, it looks like West Ham might be a work in progress regardless.
One thing is for certain, though, Lopetegui will be carrying no passengers on this journey.
It was revealed earlier this month that new head coach Lopetegui has implemented strict new rules at West Ham about team travel to matches – aimed at fostering better team spirit.
West Ham’s players have been glowing in their praise of the style of football Lopetegui is trying to bring in.
West Ham star says Lopetegui life isn’t for faint-hearted
Players as much as fans can be fickle beings, especially when trying to impress a new manager.
But there seems to be a clear preference for the front-footed approach West Ham’s new top dog is trying to take.
Hammers fans – quite rightly – are notoriously demanding.
The good news is they have a manager with the same mindset it seems.
Now a West Ham star says life under Lopetegui isn’t for the faint-hearted and makes an eye-opening admission about it.
Aaron Cresswell says there have already been some ‘tough moments’ under the new West Ham manager.
Cresswell has made it clear just how demanding Lopetegui is.
But, rather revealingly, the veteran Hammers star says it is just what the club needed, suggesting standards slipped last season as the club conceded a Premier League record 74 goals.
Cresswell’s eye-opening admission about standards
“It’s been tough and it’s been different, it’s been really intense,” Cresswell told the club’s website.
“But the boys are loving it.
“There have been some tough moments with a lot of double sessions, but that’s what we needed and that’s what we want.
“And it’s all about being ready for Aston Villa in the first game of the season, and it’s not too far away.”
Indeed it isn’t.
The Hammers welcome Villa to the London Stadium in less than three weeks now.
Emery’s side have Champions League football to look forward to next season and are expected to challenge for those spots again after a busy summer window.
Patience may be required from West Ham fans while Lopetegui gets his team and philosophy in place.
Make no mistake, though, it sounds like he’ll suffer no fools along the way.
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