Jarrod Bowen was a staunch fan of David Moyes and wanted him to stay but he says West Ham’s stars are talking about Julen Lopetegui.
It already seems an age ago that West Ham’s fanbase was divided over the departure of David Moyes.
There were two distinct camps, ‘Moyes in’ and ‘Moyes out’.
But as the Scot’s memorable tenure drew to a close, it became clear the time had come for change.
West Ham’s decision to replace Moyes with Julen Lopetegui raised eyebrows.
Not least because the Spaniard had walked out on Wolves on the eve of last season.
There were also some Hammers fans who wanted other “sexier” names that were allegedly in the frame such as Ruben Amorim.
One man who had made it clear he wanted Moyes to stay was Jarrod Bowen.
Moyes’ biggest fan says players are talking about Lopetegui
West Ham’s top scorer was Moyes’ second signing upon his return to east London in 2020. He was also arguably his best.
Bowen scored the goal which saw West Ham win their first major trophy for over four decades – and Moyes’ first trophy full stop.
That Bowen goal and Moyes sprinting down the touchline will live long in the memory of everyone connected with the club.
Bowen, who always praised his former boss for believing in him by bringing him to the London Stadium, paid a nice tribute to Moyes when he left.
“Thank you for everything boss,” Bowen said.
“Thank you for bringing me in to to be part of this special club and all the memories we shared
together.
“A great manager but an even better person.”
Bowen lifts lid on feelings about new boss
But now West Ham go into a new era under Lopetegui – who is charged with trying to succeed where Moyes failed by combining style with substance.
Bowen met his new head coach for the first time yesterday as he returned from his summer break following England’s heartbreak in the Euro 2024 final against Lopetegui’s homeland.
Now Bowen says West Ham stars have been talking about Lopetegui.
And while he may have been a staunch Moyes fan, Bowen likes what he has been hearing.
“I’m excited to start working on the training pitch with the new Head Coach as all the lads have spoken really highly of him and are excited for the new season to start as they’ve learnt a lot in training and learnt a lot in the games,” Bowen told the club’s website.
“Always when a new manager comes in there are new ideas and it’s buying into those ideas and putting them into practice and into games, and we’ve got one coming up on Saturday!”
Bowen is not the only player to have been impressed by the former Real Madrid and Spain boss.
Lopetegui not at West Ham to tread water
Danny Ings and Aaron Cresswell have raved about Lopetegui recently.
What has come across loud and clear is that Lopetegui is in no mood to tread water at West Ham.
When he faced the media for the first time as Hammers boss last month, Lopetegui made his fierce ambition and aims clear.
What he had to say delighted supporters as he declared he wants to ‘make a big noise’ with West Ham.
That has been underlined by West Ham’s ongoing transfer business with the club closing in on another three signings this weekend.
Moyes and West Ham were great for one another.
But if Bowen and his teammates are now fully on board with Lopetegui, it’s time for West Ham to starting looking forwards, not backwards – on and off the pitch.
READ ALSO
Mocking Moyes betrays West Ham but he just needs to speak to Bellamy
Top Leeds journalist addresses claims deal for Summerville could still collapse
Poker-faced Villa show their hand to West Ham over Duran deal
Receive a digest of our best West Ham content each week direct to your mailbox
