Not a single hour of sunshine has been seen over my house since October 30th. We’re in the midst of an anticyclone, bringing gloom to both the sky and our spirits. West Ham certainly isn’t helping lift the latter.
An “anticyclone” is a fitting metaphor for Julen Lopetegui’s arrival. We hoped for the opposite—high energy, excitement, and a whirlwind beginning to a long, fruitful development period.
But that hasn’t materialised. We all know it, and plenty has been said here on the matter.
In any line of work, introducing a new approach to an existing team is always challenging. A new manager must balance respecting prior efforts with subtle shifts toward a collective goal.
It doesn’t look like Lopetegui has struck that balance. We don’t know what’s said in the dressing room—if it’s anything like Phil Parkinson, every other word might be “fu**”—but something isn’t connecting.
As a result, players appear hesitant, receding into their shells to avoid mistakes. Instead of moving forward with speed or attempting defence-splitting passes, we’re slowing down, often resorting to unnecessary backward and sideways passes.
The result? Our forwards stop making runs and settle into a jog. We lack penetration, playing at a pedestrian pace, and the team looks drained. Everyone seems to look around for someone to blame.
Are players worried about a telling-off? Are they worried about being in the wrong place and letting teammates down?
Whatever the reason, the negativity is all-consuming. This isn’t about ability but mindset. A manager focused on avoiding losses has sapped the joy and expression from our players, pushing a defence-first, robotic, soulless anti-football.
Front foot West Ham
We need a manager who says, “Right lads, we all fell in love with this game for a reason, and it wasn’t to ‘respect the point’ or obsess over clean sheets. Let’s go out there and have some fun!”
Paqueta needs the freedom to express himself—maybe as a 6, as he plays for Brazil. If not, Rodriguez is just as effective right now.
Alvarez should lead by example, staying composed, avoiding bookings, and showing the leadership we know he has. If he can’t, give Irving or Soler a genuine chance.
Mohammed Kudus deserves to play in a role he loves. Players like him thrive on encouragement, praise, and a team built around them. I’d play him alongside Ings in a rotating 9/10 combo, supported by Summerville and Bowen. Antonio’s time has come to be an impactful sub, bringing his energy off the bench.
All four should go out with pace, tricks, and adventure.
Soucek shouldn’t be playing central midfield; he’s ineffective there. It’s like playing with 10 men. While his commitment is undeniable, that alone isn’t enough at this level. When he gets close, he often fouls, and nobody wants to pass to him as he lacks control and momentum.
Kilman as captain makes sense. Jarrod doesn’t need the distraction; he needs to focus on productivity.
Kilman could help Hammers team mate Bowen
People talk about the “West Ham way.” Lopetegui, like Moyes and Allardyce, must understand that this isn’t it. Fans who cling to Moyes’s record just don’t get it—they’re “teletext” fans or pundits working from highlight reels or stats, not real fans.
For me, it’s about having an iron-clad heart and the will to give it a go, whatever the outcome. We don’t need perfection—just some fight and fun.
Whether it’s with Lopetegui or someone new, I hope they’ll soon understand this and give the players the freedom to finally bring us some sunshine.
Author Dan Hill
