Cesc Fabregas shares admission over likely Julen Lopetegui appointment at West Ham United
Cesc Fabregas has piled praise on Julen Lopetegui as the manager continues to be linked to the soon-to-be vacant role at West Ham United.
With David Moyes departing the Hammers when his contract expires in the summer, a new face is needed in the London Stadium dugout.
There have been links to Ruben Amorim and Lopetegui, with the Spaniard appearing to be the frontrunner.
Speaking on BBC Planet Premier League [8 May], Fabregas praised the manager and suggested he could be a positive appointment for the Hammers.
He said: “I think he is a good coach. He has had success with the Spanish U21 team. When Real Madrid signs you, obviously something is good around you. You have done a good job somewhere and somehow.
“His Sevilla team, for example, played quite well. They won the Europa League playing good football. At Wolves. I think he did a good job. Creating a good atmosphere and a good brand of football.
“Why not? I think he could be good [for West Ham]. He plays a different style than what West Ham has done for the last couple of years.”
How will Julen Lopetegui set up at West Ham United?
The Spaniard has never been afraid to change his tactical set-up to suit the opposition he is coming up against.
A 4-1-4-1 formation has often been preferred against top teams to use a low block out of possession and shut the opposition out.
Although this may prove effective, this may not suit star players like Lucas Paqueta, who prefer to play further up the field.
Playing against lesser sides, Lopetegui often prefers to operate in a 4-3-3 with his forwards and midfielders pressing high.
This is done to force mistakes, to win the ball close to the opponents’ goal to create higher quality chances.
In a more attacking set-up, Mohamed Kudus and Jarrod Bowen could thrive and further boost their goal output.
It could also be beneficial for Edson Alvarez and Tomas Soucek, who like to get stuck in and win the ball.
There are no guarantees of success when you change a manager, especially with how good Moyes was for the Hammers. Lopetegui has a lot to live up to at London Stadium.
In other West Ham news, news of Mohammed Kudus’ release clause has emerged amid exit shouts.
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