The new season is almost here and the Hammers have lost 3-1 to Wolves in Florida, not that pre-season games mean much. What will the fans expect from Lopetegui after four and a half seasons of David Moyes? The main hope would be that the Irons are less predictable away from home. Under Moyes it was invariably the low block and keeping it tight until a chance might present itself. Attacking away from home might just surprise a few teams.
Another change might be a more proactive use of substitutes. Moyes tended to react to other manager's substitutions rather than move first, though to be fair he got results this way. Substitutes are one of those things you can never really prove one way or another might have made a difference. Gareth Southgate got endless stick for late substitutions but nearly all his changes had an effect in the Euros. Still, a little more adventure would certainly be welcome from Julen.
But the best change would be a solid defence. Last season's leaky back four was very un-Moyes like and we never really recovered from selling Craig Dawson. With Zouma struggling for fitness, the signing of Max Kilman, a leader and ball-playing centre back, is a sound move and Aaron Wan-Bissaka would be a very solid defender at right-back, if we can get him, though he's not as effective at assists as Coufal. Expect plenty more activity before August 17 and the big kick-off.
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