West Ham United’s appointment of Julen Lopetegui has sparked questions about his tactical approach and potential transfer targets. Here’s what we can expect
While Lopetegui favours a 4-3-3 system, he has shown adaptability at Wolverhampton Wanderers, utilising formations like 4-2-3-1 and 4-4-2. This suggests he can adjust based on personnel and opponent.
Lopetegui prioritises a strong defensive midfield duo, evidenced by his preference for Ruben Neves and Mario Lemina at Wolves. This bodes well for Tomas Soucek and Edson Alvarez at West Ham, who can expect continued key roles.
Lopetegui’s tactical flexibility extends to the attack. A 4-4-2 formation could see both Michail Antonio (if he is still at the club) and Jarrod Bowen upfront, potentially putting James Ward-Prowse’s starting position in question.
While Ward-Prowse could compete with Soucek or Alvarez for a deeper midfield role, formations with a creative No. 10, like 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1, seem more likely to suit his strengths, aligning better with Lopetegui’s preferences. Bowen also offers flexibility, able to shift wider if Antonio is preferred upfront.
West Ham are actively looking for a new striker, with a number of forwards previously linked. Funding for this transfer could come from the sale of Lucas Pacqueta, although Manchester City’s interest is currently on hold due to an investigation.
A potential £85 million sale of Pacqueta could be crucial in keeping Lopetegui content, especially considering his reported frustrations with transfer limitations at Wolves. A successful transfer window, addressing potential weaknesses, could be vital for a strong start to his West Ham reign.
I was getting hopeful about lopetrgui but now not so much, I hear he has already picked 4 Spanish players he wants this could be a problem for steiden if true and at wolves he did during a number of games play the low block
I wouldn’t look into what he did at Wolves. Remember, this was a team fighting relegation when he took over. West ham is a different prospect, I would expect him to play more on the front foot.
Not if he loses first 2 games he will be worried about tin tak😂
Lopetegui won’t be a fan of soucek.. when do you ever see a Spanish manager being happy with a player that cannot make a simple pass . I expect Tomas will be one of the 1st out the door.
Wow, the current manager does ok and gets slaughtered, we look to a new one and supporters start on him before he’s signed, don’t even wait to listen to what he has to say.
Why would anyone want to manage at West Ham, the abuse, lack of support and general negativity from social media and in the ground is unbelievable.
Funnily enough why do the players not enjoy working at the club or playing at home? Because they are too easily slaughtered by the so called supporters. West Ham used to be a very loyal crowd. No more can that be claimed.
The majority of the crowd are loyal. Just seems there are a few who would not be happy whatever happens. Judge the new manager’s performance at the end of the season but in the meantime let’s all get behind the club, head coach and players
Perhaps some of the players feel undervalued when DM brings in a no-hoper like Kalvin Phillips at £150k per week + the loan fee from MC. Add up the minutes played versus wages – that might tell you why some of the players can’t be ar… ?
I don’t really want him but I will give him my backing and see how he does before making judgment. COYI
I really can’t see how this bodes well for Thomas Soucek, he’s immobile and can’t pass.
Maybe we’ll end up with Lemina alongside Alvarez or even bringing Neves back from the saudi league
I would suggest people have a bit of a read before jumping to conclusions…..
https://theanalyst.com/eu/2022/10/julen-lopetegui-sacked-sevilla-la-liga/
This is an interesting read.
That was worth reading 👍