Insights

Julen Lopetegui's tenure at West Ham began with high expectations, but the team has struggled significantly, suffering three consecutive home defeats, including a 3-0 loss to Chelsea. This marked a historic low for the club, as Lopetegui became the first coach to oversee such a poor start. Despite a brief moment of hope with a victory against Crystal Palace, subsequent performances against Fulham and Chelsea have left fans dissatisfied, leading to boos at the London Stadium. Lopetegui, who was appointed by owner David Sullivan, is still in the process of implementing his vision for the team. He has faced challenges in integrating new signings, which were acquired for over £120 million, due to their late arrivals and lack of pre-season preparation. The coach has acknowledged the need for his players to be more aggressive and take the initiative during matches, as highlighted by captain Jarrod Bowen's comments on the Chelsea game. There is currently no indication of unrest within the squad or pressure on Lopetegui, as the club recognizes that significant changes take time. The relationship between Lopetegui and technical director Tim Steidten appears to be stable, although there are questions about how the recruitment strategy might have differed had a more progressive coach been appointed. As the season progresses, the focus will be on whether Lopetegui can turn around the team's fortunes and meet the expectations set by the club's ambitious transfer activity and the desire for improved performances on the pitch.