West Ham United are undoubtedly in a period of transition under the stewardship of Julen Lopetegui. The recent influx of new signings has generated considerable excitement among fans, but it’s crucial to maintain a balanced perspective.
While the early signs are promising, the true test of the club’s progress will come in the Premier League. The Hammers have shown glimpses of potential in pre-season, but the intensity and competitiveness of the English top flight will provide a stern examination of their capabilities.
Talking of pre-season friendlies, the last time we won ALL of their pre season games was when Avram Grant was the manager, and we all know how that season ended!
The signings of Niclas Fullkrug just today and other new signings represent a significant investment in the squad, and fans will be eager to see how these players integrate into the team. However, it’s important to remember that building a successful team takes time, and it may take several months for Lopetegui’s vision to fully materialise.
Ultimately, the success of West Ham’s season will be measured not only by their league position and performances in cup competitions, but by the style of football and entertainment value: Something which had been sorely lacking last year. While the foundations for a brighter future appear to be in place, the club must remain focused and determined to achieve their goals
I won’t feel optimistic until we strengthen our defence
Cautiously optimistic is a good term, Manuel Pellegrini’s recent comments also spring to mind, David Sullivan often backs managers in their first window but that then fails to happen in subsequent summers, if we are going to change our style of play then most of the team need changing because technically they aren’t gifted enough. When you look at the top four they have immaculate control often with both feet to add to their pace and trickery, we are taking more of a hybrid route with the likes of Fullkrug and others that don’t have those fast feet and passing / pressing ability, I would expect it to be a few seasons of work to reshape the squad, hopefully that will also include some of our current youth players and as you say Simon likely to be months before we have shifted from a counter attacking style to one where we have more possession. It will also be interesting to see whether Lopetegui has more strings to his bow and can come up with an interim style during the transition.
On the squad transformation am still not sure why we haven’t managed to get Fabricio Bruno over the line, the guy looks like a real handful and considering the prices quoted for the younger defenders and our need for defenders ready to go would have thought it was a no brainer…
100% agree 👍
I’m.just worried how long it will take them to get used to the new system..especially as bowen and Co are only just back ( I think) this is why transfers need to be done early ..so the squad are all on same page with new system
J-Lo needs time to implement new playing style and to secure the squad he needs to achieve Europe.
Will take at least until the conclusion of next Summer’s transfer window to get players off the wage bill like Ings and Zouma.
If we can be there or thereabouts end of this season, then I believe J-Lo will be in much stronger position to achieve European qualification.
Moyes left us an old and disjointed squad. Let’s hope Tim Steidten is given funds for the next few windows to undertake the required rebuild.
If we get another quality central defender and a right back in, as they gel we will be top 8 minimum and a very good cup side, we will still need to get rid of the deadwood to enable us to continue this rebuild so Tim can continue with quality recruitment, and lopetugui must integrate the best of our youngsters with those better players they will develop much quicker and also learn quicker, especially earthy who looks the real deal, Orford and a couple more hopefully. But get those two positions sorted b4 the end of this, week, and if possible get Matt. reilly from celtic as well he is a real talent
The window has been great so far, all but 2 of the new signings will walk straight into the first team and are an upgrade on what we have. I still think 2 or 3 more will join who will also be first team players, everyone has done a good job. They will obviously take time to gel but as long as we see progress hopefully the fans will be patient, should be a good season ahead.