Behind-the-scenes Julen Lopetegui decision shared at West Ham United

West Ham United head coach Julen Lopetegui has cut the number of days off for his squad at the training ground in an effort to improve the side, according to The Athletic.

Roshane Thomas' article [6 September] has stated that the 58-year-old is aiming to raise the squad's work ethic with the move.

The Hammers have so far won one and lost two of their opening three Premier League matches, and have advanced into the third round of the Carabao Cup.

Thomas wrote: "Lopetegui has shown he is not afraid to make big decisions, following Kurt Zouma, Nayef Aguerd, James Ward-Prowse and Maxwel Cornet's departures on loan.

"And, behind the scenes, the Spaniard has reduced the number of days off the players get as part of his drive to increase the squad’s work ethic."

West Ham United reducing days off

Amid a new era at West Ham, Lopetegui was always going to come in and make some bold decisions - he has enough experience to know that is the first step into an authoritative stance at a club.

With the squad now spending more time grafting away at Rush Green, it will be an interesting potential outcome to see how many of the players are receptive.

There has been a fair clear-out at the Hammers, as well as plenty of exciting signings through the door with Thomas' article headlining that 96% of surveyed supporters believe the squad is now stronger after the end of the transfer window.

Tim Steidten has got the fanbase onside in East London and will continue to look to make ambitious additions, and it is up to Lopetegui to effectively bed them into the side.

It is a slow process in turning over a lot of the playing staff, but one which will eventually benefit the team.

In other West Ham news, the boss has to take a risk with Mohammed Kudus.

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