West Ham United Head Coach Julen Lopetegui is looking forward to what he has described as tough challenge away at Nottingham Forest in the Premier League on Saturday.
The Hammers head north to the East Midlands full of confidence following last weekend’s thrilling 2-1 win over Manchester United, a victory which marked the Club’s second home success in a row.
The challenge now is to take that form on the road in their first top-flight fixture of 2024/25 outside of London, against one of the most in-form sides in the division, who are flying high in seventh place.
Under boss Nuno Espírito Santo, the Reds have tasted defeat just once in the league this term, while their four wins have included a first over title challengers Liverpool at Anfield since 1969.
Speaking to the media little over 48 hours ahead of kick-off, Lopetegui reflected on the Manchester United win, while also commenting on his squad and the quality of the upcoming opposition. He also reserved a mention for the people affected by the flooding disaster in his home country of Spain.
Plenty of positivity
A victory like last weekend [against Manchester United] is always important for our energy, but at the same time we know you can’t spend long thinking about the past. Things are very quick in football, and already it has been a short week and we are focused on Nottingham Forest.
Always we are happy to win, but only for 24 hours or so before you’re thinking about the next thing, and the next challenge.
Up for the fight at Forest
It’s going to be a very tough game. They are playing very well at the moment, and competing very well. They have good, technical players, and a very good coach, with clear ideas, and that’s why they’re doing so well in the league.
They’ve beaten the likes of Liverpool, so we know this is going to be a demanding match, and we have to be ready. We’re expecting it to be a very big challenge for us, but I think the Premier League is the best competition in the world, so it’s like that every week!
Venturing out of the capital
It’s the first time we’re playing out of London in the league this year. There are a lot of teams in London, but we are ready to go to Nottingham, to a different city, and we’ll be ready for the opponent, which is the most important thing.
We know it’s going to be a big occasion, with a big atmosphere and high demands. We have to be ready to answer that.
Whole squad ready to shine
Crysencio [Summerville] hasn’t been doing anything different to what he’s done since he arrived here – he’s always ready to go whether he’s playing or not. He has different strengths to the other players, and everyone has to be ready to make an impact.
Always there is a big focus on who is going to be in the starting line-up, but one important thing is that you can change things to suit each match. Each member of the team has to be ready to be involved in our challenge.
Thoughts with the people of Spain
My thoughts are with the victims of the disaster in Spain, and their families. I know it’s been very hard for people over there, and they have our love and support.
I don’t know anyone personally involved or affected, but I know about the impact it’s had, and I think it’s important to say that we’re all thinking of everyone over there.
