Julen Lopetegui needs time as disharmony emerges at West Ham United
Frank McAvennie believes West Ham United fans will give Julen Lopetegui time and insists they will demand tactical flexibility and passing football.
Lopetegui’s appointment is expected to mark the start of a change in style from the David Moyes era, which featured a greater emphasis on organisation out of possession.
McAvennie – speaking exclusively to West Ham Zone – admitted that Lopetegui needs patience with a lot of disharmony being in the air.
“The [fans will] give [Lopetegui] time, of course, they’ll give him time,” McAvennie said.
“See, good managers can change systems in a game. David [Moyes] didn’t do that. I watch Brendan Rodgers [at Celtic] and he changes the system, and I’m thinking, ‘Wow, that was clever’. It’s just the way they do it, they work all week on that. And that’s what West Ham fans want.
“I would give [Lopetegui] some time. I’m hoping it’s going to work and he’s going to be a breath of fresh air. Because there’s been a lot of disharmony. Even though David’s brought us a trophy and all that, I’m delighted the fans gave him the send-off he deserved and thanks very much, but it’s time to move on now.”
Can Julen Lopetegui transform West Ham United’s style?
Lopetegui’s time at his previous clubs – particularly Spain, Sevilla and Porto – is evidence of his ability to implement a high-possession game at a high level.
The Hammers boast a stable of technically gifted players such as Mohammed Kudus, Lucas Paqueta and Edson Alvarez and will hope they can benefit from the tutelage of their new Spanish head coach.
In other West Ham news, Daniel Kretinsky is set to step up, with Champions League football wanted at the London Stadium.
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