West Ham’s Struggling Start to the Season Under New Management: What’s Gone Wrong?
The excitement among West Ham fans at the start of the 2024 season has quickly soured, with the club finding itself in a turbulent position just a few months into Julen Lopetegui's managerial tenure. Following a promising summer, which saw significant player acquisitions and high hopes for a tactical evolution, West Ham now has just four wins across all competitions and six losses, leaving fans frustrated and even calling for a change in leadership.
Early Promise Turns to Frustration
With a mix of ambitious new signings and an experienced coach with a fresh tactical approach, expectations were high. However, Lopetegui’s attempts to transition West Ham from David Moyes' direct, counter-attacking style to a slower, possession-focused system have not yielded immediate success. The lack of a consistent identity on the field has become a significant point of frustration for supporters. In some games, the Hammers struggle to control possession effectively, leading fans to express regret over Moyes' departure, with “Be careful what you wish for” becoming a common refrain among West Ham supporters.
Players Out of Position
One of the standout issues has been the deployment of players in roles that do not leverage their strengths. Mohammed Kudus, who thrived in a central role last season, is now being played out on the left, where his impact has been limited. Similarly, Lucas Paquetá, who excelled centrally under Moyes, has been shifted, diminishing his effectiveness. These positional changes have disrupted the team’s chemistry and contributed to underwhelming performances from key players. Fans have noted that this misalignment has caused the squad to lack the cohesion and efficiency they displayed last season.
Discipline Issues
A marked change in discipline has also become a troubling feature of West Ham’s season. Currently, the team ranks second in the Premier League for fouls, averaging 13.3 per game, and has already accumulated 26 yellow cards and two red cards. This undisciplined play contrasts sharply with last season’s record, where West Ham ranked 15th in fouls per game. The increased fouling and defensive lapses indicate not just tactical adjustment difficulties but also a possible frustration among players as they struggle to adapt to new expectations.
Tough Schedule and the Importance of Upcoming Matches
West Ham’s challenging schedule has only intensified these issues. Matches against formidable opponents like Aston Villa, Manchester City, Chelsea, and Tottenham have put added pressure on Lopetegui and his players, preventing them from building confidence and momentum. Now, with a slightly more favourable run of fixtures, beginning with Everton, fans and analysts alike see this as a critical juncture for Lopetegui. The Everton game has been labelled a “must-win,” with many speculating that a victory could extend Lopetegui’s tenure until January, giving him more time to turn things around.
Outlook for Lopetegui and West Ham
If West Ham manages a strong showing in the coming weeks, Lopetegui may buy himself some additional time to implement his tactical philosophy. However, if the issues with discipline, positional misunderstandings, and lack of cohesion persist, the calls for change may become unavoidable. The draw against Everton might serve as a temporary lifeline, but a lasting transformation will require better integration of the new style, along with adjustments to the lineup that allow key players to perform in roles that maximize their strengths.
In summary, the first few months of West Ham’s season have been plagued by inconsistent performances, disciplinary lapses, and tactical misalignment. Lopetegui’s vision, while ambitious, has yet to resonate with the players or fans. The coming fixtures represent a critical test, and only a string of positive results will quell the frustrations of a fanbase eager to see West Ham return to form.
Credit: IronEdits_officials and Pitchsider