Many were surprised at the fact Julen Lopetegui withdrew Jarrod Bowen in the second half in the Villa game.
But don’t forget he only played a combined total of about 24 minutes for England over the summer and he was always going to be managed back carefully.
The England international’s involvement in the summer’s international tournament meant he required additional rest and recuperation.
Julen Lopetegui’s decision to manage Jarrod Bowen’s minutes is a sensible approach.
The manager’s emphasis on building a competitive squad, where every player is aware of their role and responsibilities, is crucial for long-term success. By providing opportunities to both established and new players, Lopetegui is fostering a healthy environment within the team.
The balance between experience and youth is essential for any successful side. While the likes of Coufal, Antonio, and Ward-Prowse offer valuable experience, the new signings bring fresh energy and talent. Lopetegui’s ability to blend these elements will be key to West Ham’s performance throughout the season.
It’s evident that the manager has a clear plan for the team, and the initial signs suggest a positive direction. However, the true test will come in the consistency of results and West Ham‘s ability to adapt to different challenges.
Not sure why only playing 24 mins during the Euro’s means he has to be managed back carefully and needs additional rest and recuperation – surely that would only be the case if he’d played every match? I thought he was correctly withdrawn because he was having a poor match.
Good point. Both our established players and the new recruits are crucial to the club’s future success.
I can’t believe some of the comments on here wanting to dump players who have been part of our success over the last few seasons. These players understand each other and that takes time to achieve. The new recruits won’t get to that point for some while. Eventually (not soon) we will get an integrated squad large enough to sustain a new European campaign, and the ability to rotate will be crucial.
There just hasn’t been time so far, over a handful of friendlies and just one Prem game. So watch out for further setbacks before Loppety Guy starts to get it right.
I meant good point from Simon regarding the general approach.
Clive’s probably right about Bowen having a poor match,
Best thing about West Ham yesterday was the kit.
Yeah, but what about the wavy stuff they wear on the bench? ‘orrible.
I suspect Lopetuigi thought a team who knew eachother well would have an opportunity against a Villa team with changes. I saw him at the final whistle he was seriously ****ed off, threw his bottle at the floor (coz Coufal was too far away I guess). Expect immediate changes but in terms of style and appetite for getting forward we are in another world. Looking forward to the season under him.
No different to watching a Moyes team , Antonio couldn’t trap a bag of cement, time to move on Antonio, thanks for the years,
I don’t understand the underlying strategy of the game plan, but Bowen was not doing much; & , if you looked around, Lopetegui was fully justified in taking him off. Much the same goes for Rodriguez.
The team that played last season had done nothing wrong to warrant being discarded for the first game of this season. They are all keen to start every game and be the first on the team sheet.
Well, we have got that out of the way now and all the warriors that shone against Villa will be playing again. The others will have to retreat to the bench and wait for their chance later on.
Hooking Bowen made sense. He will be back in the team on a regular starter basis. Can’t say the same for a few others, though!
COYI
This article is solid bull. Bowen is fit and he should have stayed on. Mav was aweful for the goal. Todibo should have been on from the start.so too Fulkrug…end of rant