Maximilian Kilman is ready to get to work on his first week as a West Ham United player.
The Hammers' newest arrival is part of Julen Lopetegui's squad who have travelled to Austria for a pre-season training camp, which will conclude with a friendly meeting against Hungarian side Ferencváros on Monday 15 July.
Kilman only completed his move from Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday, but will waste no time in cracking on in his new colours, linking up with his Claret and Blue teammates for the camp.
The 27-year-old is already familiar with Lopetegui's methods, having played 24 games and being named captain under the Spaniard's management at Wolves, and now he cannot wait to be reunited with the Irons' new Head Coach.
"A trip, a pre-season tour, will be nice to get to meet my new teammates and get along with everyone," he explained.
"I think it’s a perfect time to implement how I want to be and, I’m sure, I've heard some really good things, some of the staff have told me how close the team is together, so, I can’t wait just to fit in and get along with everyone.
"I’m so delighted to be here, and I just want to improve as a player and make sure we can achieve as much as we can as a Club and keep making the right steps forward and progress to new heights."
When discussing his own attributes as a central defender, Kilman is keen to stress he still has areas in which to improve - and he is sure Lopetegui is the coach to bring the best out of him.
He also enjoyed the leadership role he took on at Molineux and says that has brought another level to his game too.
“I’m strong, fast and composed on the ball, but I know I’ve got a lot to achieve and haven’t hit my peak yet, so I’m just excited to keep on improving as a player and get to my highest potential," he continued.
“I was the captain last season and during that season I learned so much, and definitely led by example. I had to learn as it came along, but I really enjoyed the challenge and can’t wait to integrate my kind of leadership style and help out as much as I can here.
“I am definitely more of a calm leader and not like a typical old school leader. I have a bit of both, so that when I need to be firm I can be and like to try and help the younger players out and show my 110 per cent effort both in training and games and hopefully that leads by example.”
With the new campaign now a little over a month away, Kilman is excited at the prospect of pulling on the Hammers shirt in front of capacity London Stadium crowds week in, week out.
“I can’t wait you know. I’ve been here on a couple of away games, and I found it really tough as the atmosphere can get really electric," he concluded.
"So I’m glad I am on the other side of it now and just can’t wait to play in front of 62,500 fans, do my best and give everything for this Club.”
