Lopetegui Acknowledges Dissatisfaction but Sees Ample Time for Improvement

West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui has stated he is not paying attention to external commentary, instead concentrating entirely on enhancing the squad’s performance. The Hammers currently sit 14th in the Premier League standings, having accumulated 12 points from the Spanish coach’s initial 11 matches. Despite a less than ideal beginning, Lopetegui maintains an optimistic outlook, believing it is premature to assess his team. “Our life is to live under pressure,” he affirmed. “Our work is like this and that is why we choose this kind of work. The more important thing is that we are working very hard to improve. I think the players have a big commitment to do this and I am sure we are going to achieve our levels.” “We are all not happy with the position we are in, but there is a lot of time to change this. We have to get there step by step, trying to correct little by little what we have to do to improve as a team.” West Ham is scheduled to visit Newcastle on Monday, aiming for what would represent only the fourth victory of Lopetegui’s tenure to date. “I am not listening to or reading about what is said,” Lopetegui commented regarding reports suggesting his job is in jeopardy. “My focus is to work in the team and to be able to understand what things can help us be a better team.” “The rest, this is not under our control – what is being able to work better with a high demand, knowing that our players are going to get better for sure.” “And also knowing that the [end of the] season arrives in May, not November, so let’s see what is going to happen in two or three months.” “The only thing I am focused on now is going to Newcastle on Monday and trying to get a good result in a tough game.”