Jarrod Bowen has made his feelings clear on new West Ham boss Julen Lopetegui and sent a directive to his teammates about the Spaniard.
Nobody epitomises David Moyes’ time at West Ham better than Jarrod Bowen.
Bowen was one of the Scot’s first signings on his return to West Ham in the January 2020 transfer window.
And he is one of the club’s best ever captures.
It was fitting that Bowen was the man who scored that goal in Prague last summer to give Moyes the first silverware of his career and end West Ham’s own 43-year major trophy drought.
Bowen and Moyes have been great for one another.
But all good things come to an end and the Scot will leave West Ham next weekend.
Bowen will be playing under former Wolves boss Julen Lopetegui next season.
Official confirmation on Lopetegui is being held by the Hammers hierarchy until after the end of the season out of respect to Moyes.
Lopetegui has it all to prove at West Ham
It is not unreasonable to surmise that the Spaniard isn’t a unanimously popular choice among Hammers fans.
The likes of Ruben Amorim, Thomas Tuchel and Paulo Fonseca were seen as “sexier” appointments, more in line with the innovative, modern, attack-minded coach supporters craved as Moyes’ successor.
Lopetegui has been jobless, by choice we’re told, since walking out on Wolves last August.
A host of pundits, journalists and observers have been warning West Ham supporters to ‘be careful what they wish for’.
Serious doubts have been cast over Lopetegui in the media. The latest examples being Paul Merson stating he could be at West Ham for 25 years and not achieve what Moyes did in four-and-a-half.
And Hammers legend Julian Dicks voicing grave concern over the Lopetegui call.
While some are not overly excited or convinced the 57-year-old’s appointment is the right choice, Lopetegui will of course get the backing of West Ham’s fans from the off.
And now one of the team’s emerging leaders is calling on his teammates to do the same.
Bowen makes feelings clear on Lopetegui
Bowen has made his feelings clear on new West Ham boss Lopetegui.
West Ham’s top goalscorer and Hammer of the Year has more reason than most to be loyal to Moyes.
But Bowen insists he will embrace and respect Lopetegui, his methods and philosophy. Even if it does mean getting used to a new accent having only just got his head around Moyes’.
And he is calling on his teammates to follow suit and be open minded to the change too.
“I don’t think he’ll (Moyes) ever be forgotten here…” Bowen said, as reported by The Mirror.
“What he’s done for this club speaks for itself…
“As tough as it sounds, you have to move on – (it’s like) when we came back last summer, we had to forget about winning a trophy because we had to get on with a new season.
‘Embrace new manager’ Bowen tells teammates
“The same applies to managers – when a new one comes through the door, you have to listen to what they want, respect their philosophy and everyone jumps on board.
“It will probably be a bit weird coming in for pre-season and the gaffer’s not here – and I’ve only just got used to his accent!”
Bowen also said he is now motivated to show he can continue to perform at a high level under a different manager.
Despite some of the negativity around Lopetegui’s appointment, many have started to warm to the idea having heard some considered views from those more informed on the ex Spain and Real Madrid manager’s career.
But fans will have to see signs of a distinct change in the way the team plays and approaches games under Lopetegui.
The Premier League’s smallest and second oldest squad must also be drastically improved this summer to give Lopetegui a chance of progress.
It is hugely encouraging, though, to see a key player such as Bowen being open to a new manager and fresh ideas.
Let’s hope his teammates share the same mentality and take his words on board.