West Ham’s 3-1 loss to Wolves in Jacksonville, Florida, has left head coach Julen Lopetegui with significant decisions to make. The frustration was evident on Lopetegui’s face as he watched his team struggle from the sidelines.
Post-Match Reactions and Concerns
After the match, Lopetegui expressed his disappointment and emphasized the need for his players to put in substantial effort over the next three weeks to be ready for the new season. While it’s understood that pre-season matches are primarily about building fitness, the performance against Wolves raised concerns. The lack of pace and overall lethargy displayed by many players was alarming, especially considering the start of the 2024/25 season is just around the corner.
Underwhelming Performances
Lopetegui’s frustration is justified, given the sluggish display from the team. While pre-season results don’t always predict the regular season outcomes, the contrast in readiness between West Ham and Wolves was stark. The head coach now faces the challenge of deciding which players are fit to stay and which might need to be moved on.
Standout Poor Performer: Maxwel Cornet
Among the underperformers, Maxwel Cornet stood out for all the wrong reasons. His performance against Wolves was particularly concerning. Cornet, who was previously linked with an exit in January, might now be on his way out after failing to impress Lopetegui during the pre-season.
Despite a decent showing in West Ham’s opener against Ferencvaros, Cornet’s recent performances against Dagenham and Redbridge and Wolves have been subpar. In Jacksonville, his lack of tracking back, physicality in challenges, and overall contribution was glaringly inadequate.
Implications for the Squad
Cornet’s struggles may stem from an injury he suffered at the end of 2022, which appears to have affected him both physically and mentally. Given these issues, Lopetegui may need to make the tough decision to part ways with the winger. Doing so would not only improve the squad’s overall quality but also send a strong message to other underperforming players.
Moving Forward
The upcoming weeks will be crucial for West Ham as they prepare for the new season. Lopetegui’s focus will be on ensuring the squad is robust and competitive, capable of handling the rigors of the Premier League. The possible departure of Cornet, along with any other necessary changes, will be pivotal in shaping a team that can meet these demands.
In summary, West Ham’s defeat to Wolves highlighted several areas of concern that Julen Lopetegui must address. With pre-season in full swing, the head coach has limited time to finalize his squad and ensure they are ready for the challenges ahead.
