West Ham is starting the new Premier League season with a new manager, Julen Lopetegui, after finishing ninth last season under David Moyes.
While aiming for European spots is the goal, it may be challenging for Lopetegui, who previously managed Wolves and Spain.
Last Season
David Moyes had significant goodwill after winning the Europa Conference League in the previous season. However, his defensive tactics drew criticism. Despite a strong start, winning three of their first four games, West Ham struggled mid-season. Heavy defeats to Manchester United, Arsenal, and Nottingham Forest, including a 6-0 loss to Arsenal, put Moyes under pressure.
They had a relatively successful Europa League run, reaching the quarter-finals before being knocked out by Bayer Leverkusen. Moyes left at the end of the season, and Lopetegui was appointed, seen as a progressive but risky choice due to his mixed managerial record.
The Manager
Julen Lopetegui, a former goalkeeper with over 300 club appearances, managed Wolves for eight months, leaving due to a lack of funds for new players.
His tenure with Spain ended controversially just before the 2018 World Cup when he was sacked for agreeing to manage Real Madrid post-tournament, a role he held for only a couple of months. He found more success at Sevilla, winning the Europa League in 2020.
Expectations
This season, a ninth-place finish is the minimum target, but fans hope to compete with teams like Aston Villa, Tottenham, and Chelsea.
With many Premier League teams strengthening their squads, West Ham might realistically aim for mid-table. New signing Fullkrug, along with players like Bowen and Paqueta, could help improve their standing. A top-half finish seems a safer bet.
