West Ham’s Lopetegui Discusses Touchline Ban, London Stadium, and Arsenal Match

West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui addressed reporters ahead of Saturday’s Premier League fixture against Arsenal, scheduled for a 17:30 GMT kick-off. The following are the main points from his press conference: Regarding player injuries, Lopetegui reported “two or three little problems” requiring further evaluation the following morning. He chose not to disclose the names of the doubtful players, stating: “I’m positive that all of them can be ready, but let’s see.” Lopetegui is set to serve a touchline ban this weekend, having accumulated three yellow cards. However, he maintained that this would not affect the team’s display, asserting: “It is about the players on the pitch and on the bench, who are ready to help the team to be able to compete against the best team in the Premier League, in my opinion.” Arsenal is expected to pose a “big challenge” for the Hammers, possessing “incredible players and a very good coach.” He further stated that his squad would “be ready” to confront the game’s “very high demands.” Commenting on Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, Lopetegui remarked: “He was a big player in England. Now he has a fantastic career as a coach and he is managing Arsenal in a fantastic way. They have two teams, with top players, so we have to be ready but always put the focus back on ourselves and believe in ourselves to compete.” He commended the fans for consistently providing the players with “help and support” at London Stadium, stating: “This extra energy and extra step is something that we always need. They are going to help us to be better.” West Ham currently sits four points shy of the European football qualification positions. However, Lopetegui emphasized that his team is not concentrating on “where we are now” but rather on “where we can be in the next four months,” with their attention directed towards their final standing at the season’s conclusion. He further added: “A lot of things are going to happen in this season, for a lot of teams. We have to be ready to compete, to be better and better every match.” Regarding the approaching busy festive schedule, he light-heartedly commented that he would approach it “step by step, day by day.”