West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui has reportedly left his team shocked and unsettled with some of his recent decisions, reports Dean Jones.
Lopetegui’s late tactical changes, including unexpected changes to lineups and formations, have caught many players off guard, contributing to growing unease within the dressing room.
Jones highlighted that one such change, moving Edson Alvarez to the center of a back three during their 3-0 loss to Chelsea, was introduced late in the game, leaving the players unprepared.
This disruption has raised concerns about team cohesion and match preparation. Reports for GiveMeSportJones stated:
“It remains to be seen how quickly (Kudus and Lopetegui) can put the moment behind them, but it is not the only example of Lopetegui surprising his players.
“It is understood that he has also made late changes to the expected starting line-ups.
“Furthermore, sources have indicated that the recent decision to line up with a third, with Edson Alvarez in the middle, also surprised the players at the end of the build-up to the clash with Chelsea last month, which they lost 3-0”.
Bad start for Julen Lopetegui at West Ham
Lopetegui has had a poor start since replacing David Moyes in the summer. With just one win in their first six Premier League games of the new season, the Hammers currently sit 14th in the table with just five points.
This disappointing start to the season has brought greater scrutiny on the Spanish coach, who was hired to steady the ship.
Having spent more than £100 million in the transfer window and not getting results, the pressure is mounting on the Spanish manager.
Lopetegui will need to quickly address the issues and regain confidence within the team to turn the season around.
