Darren Bent makes new Julen Lopetegui admission in ‘outstanding’ West Ham United verdict
Darren Bent has admitted it is going to “take time” for Julen Lopetegui to get the best out of West Ham United’s “outstanding” attacking talent.
The Hammers have only managed to win one of their opening four Premier League games under their new manager, but have the chance to double that tally against Chelsea on Saturday (21 September).
Although David Moyes was slammed for his defensive first style of football last season, talkSPORT pundit Bent believes Lopetegui deserves time to find the right blend at the London Stadium.
Speaking on talkSPORT on Friday (20 September, 18:10) Andy Goldstein said: “One of West Ham fans’ biggest gripes last season under David Moyes was the style of football.
“What do you think they’ll say even though they’ve only won one of four about the style under Lopetegui?”
Bent replied: “I think it will be mixed, but again I understand that they want to see a particular brand of football and maybe David Moyes didn’t give them that. Maybe Lopetegui is the guy to do that, but it’s easier said than done.
“It’s about picking up results, picking up performances and if he feels they’ve got to play a certain way and they can’t with the players that they’ve got because they’ve got some outstanding personal when it comes to players in the attacking areas.
“I mean they’re blessed, [Crysencio] Summerville, [Jarrod] Bowen, [Mohammed] Kudus, [Lucas] Paqueta, [Niclas] Fullkrug, [Danny] Ings comes on and makes an impact, [Michail] Antonio.
“They’ve got options, but it just takes time. Not everything is going to click straight away.”
Julen Lopetegui verdict emerges at West Ham United
Most West Ham fans would have hoped for a better start to the season than they have got at the London Stadium, but the transition from Moyes to Lopetegui was never going to be completely straightforward.
The former Real Madrid boss, alongside Tim Steidten, has completely revamped the playing squad in East London and it will take time for all the new players to form bonds with their new teammates.
Although the Irons haven’t been able to get the points on the board, the early signs have suggested that there is plenty of quality there for Lopetegui to work with. If the Spaniard is given time, he should have no problem climbing the table in the coming weeks and months.
Hopefully, Saturday afternoon’s clash with Chelsea will see the Irons pick up their first home win of the Premier League season.
A win in front of the London Stadium crowd will be a huge step in the right direction for Lopetegui.
In other West Ham news, the Hammers have been told the transfer terms for Sindre Walle Egeli at the London Stadium
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