West Ham and Julen Lopetegui seem to be experiencing something of an identity crisis. We appear to be stuck in a “halfway house” with our football, where our approach is neither fully committed to defence nor entirely embracing attack.
In yesterday’s 4-1 defeat against Spurs, we pushed players forward after going 2-1 behind, yet initially set up defensively. The contrast between the two styles was night and day because in the first half we had ten men behind the ball. However, when West Ham started chasing the game we left only Max Kilman and Jean Clair Todibo to defend. The tactics were a case of two extremes and nothing in the middle.
It’s hard to determine whether we are tactically structured or merely reactive, but the Hammers look muddled. This inconsistency hints at a lack of conviction, which is troubling for a new head coach aiming to impose his vision on the team.
In many respects, Lopetegui’s intentions to quickly claw the game back with three substitutions were promising. However, the ‘rush football’ approach focused solely on attack left us exposed and was completely different from the defensive shape we started the game with.
Looking at how the likes of Ange Postecoglou at Tottenham hold firm to their style, regardless of criticism or setbacks, it’s evident that strong managers have a well-defined philosophy. Postecoglou stuck with his aggressive, high-risk tactics, which got him to where he is despite mounting media pressure. That’s something our head coach might be struggling with—settling on a clear vision as he seems to be jumping from one approach to another and just reacting to situations as they develop.
Lopetegui switches styles whilst Ange stuck to his guns
West Ham tactics were all over the place
We started yesterdays Tottenham game, ironically, playing like Moyes-era West Ham—counter-attacking and parking the bus. It was working for a while too, and even Peter Crouch in the Spurs-biased commentary team acknowledged how difficult we were to break down. However, it all fell apart in the second half following Ange’s tactical switch, and we pushed forward recklessly. What followed was a series of goals conceded in quick succession—the team seemed completely lost.
Transitioning between contrasting styles mid-game isn’t working for us. If our manager continues to waver between approaches, comparisons to Moyes will only grow. Stability comes from conviction, and right now, we’re missing that.
In short, I’m not entirely sure what Lopetegui’s tactics are, as they seem to change in-game and from match to match. So, if he doesn’t know, how can the players?
J Lo started talking about mentality – smells of Pellegrini. Very worrying,
But, as mentioned by other bloggers, ex players and many fans, Sullivan is the issue.
J Lo is a second rate manager but always worried Who we’ll get next – Neil Harris ?? 😁
Sack him now…..simple as.
Put your hands up Sullivan and admit you’ve made a mistake.
Wrong fit for us,we needed a young forward thinking modern coach not another Moyes.
We have no identity, no style of play,we are just hoping we play tea s which are similar to us,rubbish,our 2 wins against Palace and Ipswich sum it all up.
Not good enough
It was more the starting line up that was an issue to me.
The midfield looks way too porous, Paqueta and Souchek need dropping. Start Soler and Alvarez. Why were we not starting Alvarez full stop, he’s an automatic starter in my book.
Why were we starting Antonio who played in midweek, it’s plain that he’s not up to that now. Bowen central, Kudus right, Summerville left, Antonio as a sub if needed as that way he doesn’t run out of steam.
I was happy with the back four but maybe we should be considering Fabianski as Areola hasn’t been convincing.
Ariola certainly is not the standard Fabianski was before him, they need to look for a younger keeper now. Was Alvarez getting a slapped wrist for yellow cards? Why did Summerville not start, and I agree to starting Soler in place of Paqueta.
My wife’s available she hasn’t a clue about football but I’m sure she’ll do better than lop
Why was he appointed?
Because Sullivan doesn’t like paying compensation for managers. If you can then meet the criteria of having PL experience you’re likely in the frame for becoming West Ham manager. We will never appoint anyone outside of that criteria with him as owner.
Let’s be honest, if Lop were to leave tomorrow it would likely be Southgate or Potter who were appointed. Wouldn’t even rule out them going cap in hand to Moyes again.