Julen Lopetegui faces ‘biggest challenge’ at West Ham United ahead of clash v Brentford
Julen Lopetegui’s “biggest challenge” for West Ham United’s clash with Brentford is getting his team and formation right, according to Tony Cascarino.
The Hammers make the trip across London to the GTech Community Stadium on Saturday (28 September) as the Irons look to end a four-match winless run in all competitions this season.
While some pundits and fans have slammed the Hammers boss for his in-game management, talkSPORT pundit Cascarino believes the Irons’ biggest problem has been picking the wrong team to start matches.
Speaking on talkSPORT on Saturday (28 September, 6:28) he said: “I think the biggest challenge for West Ham and Lopetegui is, he has to get his formation and team right.
“Whatever you do in football, you cannot be easy to play against. If one team is organised and one’s not, I know what I’m putting my money on. I’m putting my money on the organised team.
“He’s got to get that right. West Ham fans have got this new era, they’ve spent loads of money and I’m sure coming into this season they’d have had a lot of aspirations about how they could do this year.
“It’s been a tough start for them.”
Will West Ham sack Julen Lopetegui at the London Stadium?
Lopetegui needs a win. Ultimately, it is that simple heading into Saturday afternoon’s game.
The Hammers boss is already under pressure and the only way that will change is with three points against Brentford.
It won’t be easy for the Hammers as Thomas Frank’s side is well-organised and difficult to break down at home, but the West Ham manager has the quality in his squad to name a side capable of claiming all three points.
The former Real Madrid boss needs to be brave enough to set his team up on the front foot to get the best out of the attacking talent at his disposal, rather than be overly concerned about keeping things tight in defence.
Hopefully, the Irons’ winless run will finally be put to bed against the Bees and Lopetegui will get back to winning ways.
If West Ham lose again, the pressure is only going to grow on the Spaniard and calls for his head will increase.
In other West Ham news, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has been mooted as a replacement for Lopetegui live on air
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