Jeff Stelling makes West Ham United fans admission, expects ‘absolute pelters’
Jeff Stelling will expect “absolute pelters” from West Ham United fans if Julen Lopetegui starts well at the club this season.
The pundit admitted he enjoys the criticism from West Ham fans on talkSPORT [12 August, 8:45] in a discussion about the club’s transfer business and how the side will perform this season without David Moyes.
Julen Lopetegui has been backed in the transfer market by Tim Steidten and David Sullivan, with Jean-Clair Todibo the latest name to arrive in East London this summer.
Stelling said: “One thing I enjoy about West Ham fans is the cut and thrust between them and us, that is for sure.
“I can see lots more of it coming this season. I mean, if West Ham start well, they’re going to give me in particular pelters. Absolute pelters.”
West Ham United have big expectations this season
Before the summer, Julen Lopetegui would have been forgiven for a season of transition at the Hammers. but now, his side will be expected to challenge for a European spot at the very least this term.
The Irons have recruited well across the pitch this summer. Max Kilman and Todibo, and soon-to-be Aaron Wan-Bissaka, will strengthen the backline; Guido Rodriguez will provide depth in the midfield; and Crysencio Summerville, Luis Guilherme and Niclas Fullkrug add to the already stacked attacking options.
If there were a prize for winning the transfer window, it would be awarded to the Irons. But Lopetegui has to reward the faith with performances on the pitch and he will now be under intense pressure to become an immediate success in East London.
The Europa Conference League win in 2023 still lives fresh in the memories of supporters and anything other than a return to European competition this season will be deemed a failure.
Moyes paid the price with his job for failing to finish in the European spots with the club last term. The investment in the side will be a blessing and a curse for Lopetegui, as those expectations will now be on his shoulders as the side look more than capable of finishing in the top eight this season.
The Irons suffered 3-1 losses against Wolverhampton Wanderers and Crystal Palace in pre-season, but the new players need time to fully settle in.
West Ham have officially entered the ones-to-watch column for neutrals in the Premier League for their summer exploits. Now, immediate success will be a necessity rather than a luxury this season.
In other West Ham news, Kurt Zouma’s West Ham United exit takes another twist.
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