Julen Lopetegui officially took over as the head coach of West Ham on May 23, 2024, replacing David Moyes. With nearly a month gone by since his appointment, it’s important for fans to understand how Lopetegui might set up his team.
Lopetegui’s preferred formation is the 4-3-3, with a focus on building attacks from the backline. He values the involvement of fullbacks in attacking movements, often overlapping with midfielders. His midfield trio is diverse, with different skills that complement each other.
In terms of player roles, Lopetegui adapts his system based on the available striker. At Porto, his striker played with his back to goal, while at Sevilla, the striker had a more direct role. Defensively, he often uses a 4-2-3-1 formation to protect central defenders.
Certain players in the West Ham squad seem to fit well into Lopetegui’s system. Players like Emerson Palmieri, Mohammed Kudus, Edson Alvarez, Jarrod Bowen, and Nayef Aguerd could thrive under his management. Lopetegui’s style requires intense pressing and movement, qualities that these players possess.
The question remains whether Lopetegui is the right man for West Ham in the long term. While he brings experience and ambition to the table, his track record shows that he tends to move on from clubs after a few years. However, his proactive approach aligns with the club’s desire to consistently challenge for European spots.
As the new season approaches, West Ham fans can expect to see a tactical shift under Lopetegui’s guidance. His emphasis on possession-based football and structured defending could bring a new dimension to the team’s playing style. While the future remains uncertain, there is a sense of optimism surrounding Lopetegui’s appointment at West Ham.