West Ham suffered a 3-1 defeat against Wolves while new coach Julen Lopetegui experienced a loss in his first encounter with his former team.
There were doubts about whether this preseason game would take place, with torrential rains and thunderstorms causing a two-hour delay in the start in Jacksonville, Florida. However, the grounds crew worked hard to remove the stagnant water from the field, and once the weather warning was lifted, the game was able to proceed.
Here are five key takeaways from the match:
1. Lopetegui’s New Style:
Lopetegui’s desired style of play was evident from the start, with his team pressing Wolves high up the field from the opening whistle. The Spanish coach wants his team to play with intensity, and the team showed fitness and energy in the early stages of the match, despite falling behind in the 18th minute. It’s clear that Lopetegui’s new system will suit some players better than others, as seen with Tomas Soucek’s struggles and Freddie Potts’ comfort in the system.
2. Kudus’s Importance:
Mohammed Kudus showcased why he will be crucial for West Ham this season. The forward was the standout player for the Hammers in the first half, scoring a well-executed goal to equalize before halftime. His absence in the second half highlighted the team’s lack of attacking threat, emphasizing the need to retain the 23-year-old player.
3. Need for a Striker:
The match highlighted West Ham’s need for a new center forward. Danny Ings showed promise in the first half but lacked service, while Maxwel Cornet failed to make an impact. The team’s technical director, Tim Steidten, recognizes the urgency of signing a prolific striker before the new season begins.
4. Defensive Instability:
The defensive issues that plagued West Ham in the second half of last season were evident once again. Despite the signing of Max Kilman, Lopetegui may feel the need to further bolster the team’s defensive line before the new season starts. The lack of options at right-back was exposed during the match.
5. Weather Warnings:
The decision to play the match in Florida, known for its «flood season» in July, raised questions about the weather conditions. Similar weather is expected for the upcoming match against Crystal Palace in Annapolis and in Tampa. The insistence on proceeding with the match despite extreme weather conditions underscores the lucrative nature of these international games.
Overall, the match provided valuable insights for Lopetegui and West Ham as they continue their preseason preparations. The team will need to address key areas such as player adaptation, squad depth, and tactical strategies before the new season kicks off.