Julen Lopetegui’s honeymoon period at West Ham is over in the eyes of the football press it was clearly confirmed ahead of Chelsea.
In many ways Julen Lopetegui was always going to be on a bit of a hiding to nothing at West Ham.
David Moyes has many friends in the media and West Ham’s decision to part company with the Scot was greeted with almost universal, scathing condemnation.
The Hammers have been relentlessly warned to be ‘careful what you wish for’ since.
Julen Lopetegui was hardly a media babe after walking out on Wolves on the eve of last season.
The Spaniard must show he can go one better than Moyes by competing for the European spots while playing a more attractive style of football.
It’s been clear in the press since pre-season that it won’t take long for the knives to come out for Lopetegui at the first sign of any difficulties.
One example came following a defeat on the summer US tour. The Sun reported that fans were ‘already calling to bring back Moyes’ based on a couple of comments on social media.
Paul Merson has claimed Lopetegui is already under pressure to get a tune out of his new-look Hammers team.
Reporter tells Lopetegui West Ham haven’t improved
The Sun made an embarrassing gaffe after the game at Fulham which exposed the media agenda against Lopetegui.
And a national newspaper journalist savaged Lopetegui after the draw, likening West Ham to a collection of high-end sports cars being wasted on a pensioner.
There’s no hiding that some eyebrows have been raised among Hammers fans over Lopetegui’s team selection so far.
Particularly the side he named to start the draw at Fulham.
Most West Ham fans realise they are very much a work in progress. It would be unrealistic to expect anything else given the club has a new manager, staff, philosophy, style and a turnover of 21 players in the summer.
Although some have pointed out new managers at other clubs have managed to implement their style within weeks.
Those already losing patience with Lopetegui have labelled him a ‘Spanish Moyes’.
Fans need to see Lopetegui’s response over Hammers style
West Ham take on Chelsea this weekend and Lopetegui has the perfect chance to show he’s anything but.
Attacking the game would be a good way to start.
The press pack have made it clear the way they see things, though.
A reporter has told Lopetegui West Ham haven’t improved under him and fans need to see his response.
One of the journalists in the West Ham press conference ahead of Chelsea did not pull any punches.
She asked Lopetegui if he had a message for fans who were disappointed at a lack of visible improvement in their new-look team under him.
Hammers supporters need to see Lopetegui’s response.
Because he says it will take more time to implement his philosophy.
But he didn’t offer much detail on what that will be beyond ‘improving bits’.
“No matter what level you’re at, there is always room for improvement and development,” Lopetegui said when it was put to him some feel has been little evidence of progress so far.
“I am very happy with the players’ commitment and hard work, and I am confident we are going to continue getting better.
“For sure it’s important to win matches, and we want to keep doing the good things we are doing, and improve the other bits.
“The season is long and hard, and there are going to be ups and downs throughout, but as long as the players continue to work and fight we’ll be happy, and we just have to continue competing throughout all of it.”
Related Topics