Julen Lopetegui is looking forward to getting stuck into his first London derby as West Ham United Head Coach, as the Hammers finalise their preparations for Saturday’s short trip to Crystal Palace in the Premier League.
The Spaniard got his first real taste of life as the Hammers’ boss during last weekend’s season-opening clash against Aston Villa, when his side fell to a narrow 2-1 defeat at London Stadium.
Another week brings another match however, and Lopetegui is confident his squad have the quality to bounce back and earn all three points at Selhurst Park, despite recognising the quality possessed within the Eagles’ camp.
Palace were indeed arguably the most impressive top-flight outfit in the final stages of 2023/24, scoring six wins in an unbeaten final seven games, following the appointment of boss Oliver Glasner in February 2024.
Such a run included a heavy win over West Ham in April, and though Michael Olise - who was on the scoresheet that day - has departed for Bayern Munich, Lopetegui is clear his team will need to be on top form if they are to secure a positive result.
Palace will be similarly motivated having also succumbed to a 2-1 loss last time out, away at Brentford, while a booming Selhurst Park promises to be home to a mouth-watering clash in the south of the capital.
Speaking to the media little over 48 hours ahead of kick-off, Lopetegui reflected on his team’s Villa performance, while also commenting on the impressive job done by his opposite number Glasner and the ongoing transfer window.
Aston Villa analysis
I think there were good things in the Aston Villa match, which we have taken into training this week. We may or may not have deserved to win, and we managed to come back from behind against what is a good side before conceding again.
But really, that is in the past and I think we need to look forward, now. We have been working all week to be focused and ready for the big challenge we have against Crystal Palace, so that when kick-off comes round we are able to compete at the best of our ability.
Palace prowess
I think they were one of the best teams at the end of last season. They were able to create a really good feeling with many quality players and with very clear ideas.
We saw their game against Brentford last week, and though they lost they still showed their strengths, and their identity. We have to be ready for a big challenge, in a tough stadium, and the many difficulties posed by their players.
It’s my first London derby, which is exciting, and though they will be confident in themselves, we will be too. We have to put our focus on our strengths so we can overcome these difficulties, and we will be full of belief for sure. We are all 100 per cent focused on this game.
Integration of summer signings
The players that have come in will continue to grow with us step by step, and I am sure they will all have a part to play throughout the season, which is long.
It is a bit strange when the transfer window is still open while you’re trying to prepare for and play games, but we have to adapt and try to stay focused on the competition. My opinion is not important, but for sure I would prefer if it closed before the season started.
I don’t know what is going to happen in the remainder of the window, but we have to just keep working, stay focused on the here and now, and see what happens.
