The world and its wife have had their say but new West Ham boss Julen Lopetegui has laid out his football philosophy and style in detail.
Julen Lopetegui is on the verge of being officially unveiled by West Ham and he knows the score.
Lopetegui was left licking his wounds when AC Milan pulled the plug on appointing him two weeks ago.
The Spaniard had been in talks with the Italian giants for six months.
But a fan protest scared Milan’s bosses into a change of plan, much to Lopetegui’s ‘shock and disbelief’.
According to the 57-year-old’s compatriot Guillem Balague, Milan have made a big mistake sending Lopetegui into West Ham’s arms.
Except in England opinion seems to differ wildly to that of Balague.
A large section of Hammers supporters are unconvinced by Lopetegui.
But while pleasing West Ham fans is clearly Lopetegui’s biggest priority, they are not his biggest problem.
Because the Hammers fanbase will get right behind the new man and give him every chance.
The same cannot be said for the football press, though, who already seem to be sharpening their knives and penning the words ‘I told you so’ over West Ham’s decision to ditch David Moyes for the ex Spain boss.
New West Ham boss lays out his football philosophy
Judgement has been coloured on Lopetegui by the way he walked out on Wolves, having also not lasted long at Real Madrid after being sacked by Spain before a World Cup for agreeing to take over at the Bernabeu.
Balague has been almost a lone voice banging the drum for Lopetegui.
He is swimming against the current which is awash with criticism, doubts and scorn for West Ham and the man they’ve chosen to be only their 18th permanent manager in 129 years.
Dubbed a ‘Spanish Moyes’ by some, everyone seems to have had their say on what Lopetegui will or won’t bring and his approach to the game.
But who better to hear it from than the man himself?
New West Ham boss Lopetegui has laid out his football philosophy and style in fine detail.
And everything you need to know, from Lopetegui’s perspective at least, is right there for West Ham fans to dive into.
On the new Hammers boss’ own official website no less.
Yes Lopetegui has his own dedicated site which he has updated pretty regularly in the past.
And on it he outlines how he sees the game, his tactics, ideas and approach.
What he says will undoubtedly make very interesting reading for West Ham fans – and no doubt some of the players too.
Lopetegui on his playing style
I understand football as a whole. My thought is that in today’s football, systems are no longer so important, but what is really decisive are styles and decision-making.
Football is something continuous and there are four key moments that are directly related to each other: attack, attack-defence, defence and defence-attack transition. To develop these four phases we need to handle all the concepts of the game, both offensive and defensive. I believe that it is easier to control and win games with the ball, but fortunately in soccer there are many ways to win.
Above all, I aspire for my team to have a defined personality, that is, clear game concepts so that during the match we know how to find the best solutions. For this, the player’s commitment and understanding of the game is essential.
There are times when it is impossible to counterattack and there are others when counterattacking is a fantastic solution. It all depends on the moment.
Lopetegui on managing his squad
You manage a locker room with young people under great pressure. Many of them, still without tools to be able to handle these types of situations. And for you as a coach, it’s not enough just tactics, technique and physical work, you also need to ensure that the player is balanced enough to be able to get the most out of his conditions.
That is why it is necessary to enhance the mental and emotional management of the player by the coach and the coaching staff, even by a specialist for certain moments.
Let’s not forget that the main actors are the players. If they are not balanced, they will not be emotionally well and will not have that peace of mind to be able to develop all their abilities. Consequently, they will not be able to realize their potential and my team will be worse.
My goal, therefore, is to ensure that both player management and his commitment to an idea come together, as well as its development. In that sense, as a coach you have to perceive that your players believe in you and where you want to go. It is essential that the players are motivated and convinced.
Lopetegui on relationship with fans, the club and press
The relationship with the media, with managers and with fans is an important part for a coach.
A technician has to be able to not forget where he is and what he represents. It is essential to manage all external pressure naturally and skilfully.
For this reason, I consider it very convenient to have a staff that complements the coach’s work and that allows the different messages to be coordinated and adapted to the appropriate moments so that they reach all the actors that make up this football industry.
Lopetegui on staying current as a coach
The coach has to be very attentive to the evolution of the profession. Technologies have advanced a lot, but they don’t win games.
There is no doubt that they give us more means, they help us save time and know how to better convey our idea, but I think that the essence and spirit of the game is not given to you by technology.
The fact of having been a player is an important asset in the knowledge of the game, but I do not think it is definitive or decisive for being a good coach. I believe a lot in managing your own experiences and being self-critical with your experiences in order to progress and continually improve.
Lopetegui on the players understanding his methods
I want the player to constantly understand why they do a certain type of exercise. It is important that you perceive the benefit of that action, or the mastery of that task or game situation, and that you also understand how this helps us on game day.
I believe much more in the effectiveness of a task from conviction than from imposition.
Among other reasons, because it enhances the player’s responses and motivates his work. That is why we have to be able to explain the why and wherefore of each training session.