Julen Lopetegui reveals: The West Ham United manager states that his primary goal for this season is to enhance the club’s competitiveness.

Lopetegui’s Ambition: Making West Ham United Competitive Again

Julen Lopetegui has made it clear that his primary objective as West Ham United’s manager is to transform the club into a “competitive” force in the Premier League. Speaking to TNT Sports, the Spaniard expressed his determination as The Hammers gear up for their return to league action.

The former Wolves boss recently celebrated his first home league victory since taking the reins at the London Stadium just before the international break. West Ham delivered a resounding 4-1 triumph over Ipswich Town, setting the stage for a crucial encounter against London rivals Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday. The Hammers will be aiming for back-to-back league victories in this highly anticipated match.

Last season, West Ham managed to go unbeaten against Spurs in the league for the first time since the 2020/21 campaign. They secured a memorable 2-1 win at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, followed by a 1-1 draw at home. However, despite a rocky start to the current season, which has seen them record only two league wins and exit the Carabao Cup early, Lopetegui’s side remains unbeaten on the road in the league. He believes they are on the right path.

“It’s always important to win and pick up victories,” Lopetegui stated in an exclusive interview with TNT Sports. “In the same way, we demand that we are competitive and win matches, and this is our main aim. That’s why we work every day.”

The 58-year-old manager acknowledged the need for improvement, stating, “We are in the process where we have to improve a lot of things, to win more points and consolidate different aspects. We are working to be more competitive and to be able to win more matches.”

Lopetegui took over the West Ham job following a successful stint at Wolves, having previously managed the Spanish national team, Real Madrid, and Sevilla. He replaced David Moyes, who faced criticism from some fans despite leading the club to UEFA Conference League glory in 2023.

As he settles into his new role, Lopetegui is keen to adapt his tactics to suit the players at his disposal. “You have your way of understanding football, and you have to adapt too,” he explained. “It’s about balancing all these things to be competitive—this is the main aim we have as a coaching team.”

The recent victory over Ipswich provided a much-needed boost for several West Ham players who had struggled for form early in the season. Club captain Jarrod Bowen found the net for the first time since August, and Lopetegui is optimistic that he can replicate his impressive tally of 20 goals from last season. “He’s a big player and now he’s our captain,” Lopetegui said of Bowen. “For sure, he’s going to develop as a big character for West Ham. He’s an international player and a good example for the rest because he’s hard-working and always looking to improve.”

Mohammed Kudus also made his mark against Ipswich, and Lopetegui is encouraged by the winger’s performances. “Mo is working very well too; he’s trying to improve,” he noted. “They are different players, each with their own qualities and strengths, and both have to improve.”

This season marks the first time since 2020/21 that West Ham will not be competing in European football. However, Lopetegui is focused solely on the upcoming London derby against Tottenham, rather than setting long-term goals. “We have to think game by game, and the next step is Tottenham,” he stressed. “It’s going to be highly demanding against one of the best teams in the Premier League, in my opinion. We have to be ready.”

Lopetegui also praised Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou for the impressive work he has done at the club. “He’s done fantastic work,” he said. “He’s developed a clear personality in his team, and you can see that when you analyse them. But the most important thing is our response; we have to be strong and focus on what we need to do.”

How to Watch Tottenham vs. West Ham

The highly anticipated clash between Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United will take place at the London Stadium on Saturday, October 19. Kick-off is scheduled for 12:30 PM UK time, with live coverage starting at 11:00 AM on TNT Sports 1.

TNT Sports is available across all major TV platforms, offering a range of channels and streaming options. Fans can subscribe through discovery+, BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media. For those looking to catch the action in local establishments, the Pub Finder tool can help locate venues showing TNT Sports.