With the curtains of the new Premier League season about to open, West Ham United manager Lopetegui showed his anticipation and confidence for the upcoming first round of matches in his pre-match conference. The Hammers will host a strong Aston Villa on August 18 at 0:30 a.m. Beijing time, and Lopetegui said the team is fully prepared for this moment.
Speaking about the team's pre-season preparations, Lopetegui emphasized on the team's hard training in Austria, the United States, and on English soil, and he believes that these efforts will help the team to get into shape quickly in the first round of matches. He mentioned, "All the work we've done since the summer has prepared us for this moment, the players are very focused and that's what we need."
Lopetegui gave high praise to the opponent of this round, Aston Villa. He believes that Villa was one of the best performing teams in the Premier League last season and has gone to the next level after the reinforcements in the new season. He especially mentioned the excellent work of Villa boss Emery in recent years and said it will be a tough game, but West Ham United must have confidence in themselves and give their best.
Speaking about the team's new recruits, Lopetegui made special mention of the latest signing, Wan Bissaka, who he said will further enhance the team's strength and promote healthy competition within the team. At the same time, he also expressed his satisfaction with the team's other reinforcements in the transfer market, believing that these new players will bring more possibilities and options to the team.
On his expectations for the new season, Lopetegui said that the team's main goal is to win every game and emphasized the importance of the fans to the team. He mentioned, "The fans are very important to us and the atmosphere they create is very crucial for the team." He encouraged the players to dream, but even more so, to work hard on the ground and to remain resilient especially in the face of difficulties and challenges.
In addition, Lopetegui also spoke highly of new captain Bowen. He believes that Bowen is a good choice for the team, being young but experienced and loyal to the club. He believes that Bowen will be able to captain the team and lead the team forward. At the same time, he also said that there are other players in the team who will play a leadership role and contribute to the team.
