Head Coach Julen Lopetegui is looking forward to getting stuck into another London derby this Saturday lunchtime, as his team goes in search of their first home points of the season against Chelsea at London Stadium.
The Hammers have fallen narrowly short at the hands of Aston Villa and defending champions Manchester City in their two Premier League outings in east London so far, though they have picked up a win and a draw on the road at Crystal Palace and Fulham respectively.
Danny Ings’ last-gasp equaliser rescued a share of the spoils at Craven Cottage last time out, and Lopetegui’s charges will be looking to build on the momentum gained by that strike when they welcome the Blues to the east of the capital.
With former West Ham assistant manager Enzo Maresca now at the helm, Chelsea have enjoyed a decent start to their Premier League campaign, with two wins and a draw since their opening-day defeat to City.
Meanwhile, on the continental stage the Stamford Bridge side are set to take part in the UEFA Conference League for the first time, after progressing through a two-legged Play-Off round against Swiss outfit Servette.
Speaking to the media little under 48 hours ahead of kick-off, Lopetegui reflected on the home clashes so far, while also commenting on his squad and the quality of the upcoming opposition.
Another London derby
It’s another big match for the fans, and my message to them is that we are really grateful for their support. They are always there for us, both at home and at our away matches, too.
We are working hard to give them good news and good performances. We know we have a big test on Saturday, in a game against one of our rivals, and we are going to feel their support.
Facing a tough team
In each match in the Premier League there are huge difficulties. Every team has quality, and the ability to beat anyone else.
That is why you have to put all your focus on your next match, which in this case is against Chelsea, who are a top team.
They have quality and quantity in their squad. They have a good coach, with good ideas, and they are trying to develop a way to play.
We respect them and their abilities, but we have to put our focus on our players and our ideas, too. We believe in ourselves and our strengths, and we will go into the game looking for the right result.
Back on home soil
It is true that the two matches we’ve had at home in the league so far have been tough, but this is in the past now.
No matter where we play – home or away – the important thing is that you have to compete, and that is what we’re going to aim to do on Saturday.
On Saturday we play Chelsea at home, knowing there will be good moments and bad moments, but with 100 per cent belief in what we’re doing, and a focus on coming away with the result.
Relationships growing every day
No matter what level you’re at, there is always room for improvement and development. I am very happy with the players’ commitment and hard work, and I am confident we are going to continue getting better.
For sure it’s important to win matches, and we want to keep doing the good things we are doing, and improve the other bits.
The season is long and hard, and there are going to be ups and downs throughout, but as long as the players continue to work and fight we’ll be happy, and we just have to continue competing throughout all of it.
