"We Need to Be More Consistent" | Julen Lopetegui Press Conference | West Ham v Wolves

Summary

Julen Lopetegui, manager of West Ham, faces mounting pressure as the team struggles with inconsistent performances ahead of a crucial match against Wolves. In a candid interview, he acknowledges the team's need for improvement, particularly in converting chances and maintaining defensive consistency. Despite the pressure and uncertainty surrounding his future, Lopetegui remains focused on the task at hand, emphasizing the importance of hard work and fan support. He believes in his squad’s ability to turn things around and is determined to deliver a better performance in the upcoming challenge.

Takeaways

• 😀 Lopetegui remains focused on the next challenge against Wolves, despite external pressure surrounding his job.
• 😀 He stresses the importance of being ready to face a strong team, regardless of their current position in the league.
• 😀 The coach acknowledges the team's need to be more clinical in front of goal, referencing the 31 shots in the Leicester game as insufficient.
• 😀 Lopetegui highlights that the team must improve in key moments of matches, such as avoiding early goals and improving defensive consistency.
• 😀 He defends his players, emphasizing their commitment and good behavior, and refuses to accept any criticism directed at them.
• 😀 The coach points out that the team’s failure to convert chances has been a significant issue, and he calls for more calmness and better decision-making in the final third.
• 😀 Lopetegui acknowledges the fans' frustration but stresses that their support is invaluable, and he believes they will continue to back the team.
• 😀 He takes full responsibility for the team’s performance and pressure but assures the fans that the situation will improve.
• 😀 Lopetegui maintains that external distractions, such as boardroom discussions about his future, will not affect his focus on preparing the team.
• 😀 He emphasizes that in football, every match is a challenge, and the focus must always be on performing the best possible in each game, regardless of the situation.
• 😀 The manager expresses his commitment to the club and the players, stating that despite the pressure, the team is working hard to get better and change the current situation.

Q & A

How does the manager view the pressure on his job and the external factors affecting his position?

The manager acknowledges the pressure surrounding his job but emphasizes that his main focus is on preparing for the upcoming challenge. While he is aware of the external discussions about his future, he remains committed to improving the team and addressing the immediate task at hand, which is the next match.

What does the manager think is the primary issue with the team's recent performances?

The manager identifies the lack of clinical finishing as a key issue. Despite creating a significant number of chances, the team has struggled to convert them into goals. Additionally, he highlights the importance of improving defensively to avoid conceding early goals, which can change the dynamic of a match.

How does the manager plan to address the team's issues in clinical finishing?

The manager plans to work with the players to improve their clinical finishing through more focused training and by encouraging them to be more calm and precise in front of goal. He stresses the importance of being self-critical and continuously working to improve.

What is the manager's approach to the upcoming match against Wolves, given that it is against his former team?

The manager respects Wolves as a strong team with talented players, despite their struggles this season. He emphasizes that each match is the most difficult challenge, regardless of the opponent, and insists that his team must be fully prepared and focused to perform at their best.

How does the manager view the role of the fans in the team's performance?

The manager expresses gratitude to the fans for their continuous support, even during tough times. He acknowledges that the fans have given more support than the team has delivered in return, and this motivates him to work even harder to change the situation and deliver better results.

What did the manager mean when he said that 'the fans are always right'?

When the manager said 'the fans are always right,' he meant that fans are entitled to their opinions and emotions based on the team's performances. He respects their feedback and acknowledges that their concerns are valid, particularly when the team hasn't been performing at its best.

What specific improvements does the manager believe are necessary for the team to compete better?

The manager believes the team needs to improve in two key areas: clinical finishing and consistency, particularly in defense. He mentions that avoiding early goals and achieving a clean sheet are crucial for better competitiveness, as conceding early often affects the flow of the game.

How does the manager view his responsibility in the current situation?

The manager accepts full responsibility for the team's performance and the pressure surrounding his position. He emphasizes that, as the coach, it is his job to lead the team, take responsibility for results, and continuously work to improve both himself and the players.

What was the manager's response to the question about his job security and the pressure to perform?

The manager responded by saying that there is no single way to guarantee job security in football. He believes the only approach is to work as hard as possible, improve the team's performance, and focus on the next match. Despite the external pressure, his commitment remains to working with the players and improving the situation.

How does the manager handle the pressure of media scrutiny and public opinion about his job?

The manager accepts the media scrutiny as part of the job and focuses on what he can control: the team's performance and preparation. He believes that, despite external opinions, his job is to lead the team, and he remains focused on improving the team's results and addressing key issues.