Julen Lopetegui has come to the defense of Erik ten Hag, asserting that Manchester United clearly has a defined style of play, contrary to some criticisms.
Also Read: Match Preview: West Ham vs Man Utd: Team News and Predicted Lineup
As both managers prepare for a high-stakes match on Sunday, each faces mounting pressure due to poor starts this season.
Lopetegui, who recently took over at West Ham, noted that his team’s current tally of eight points from eight Premier League games is unsatisfactory.
Meanwhile, Ten Hag, now in his third season at Manchester United, has faced scrutiny for the lack of noticeable improvement, leading to questions about his future.
Critics have suggested that Ten Hag’s team lacks a clear plan, making it difficult to identify a consistent style during matches.
However, when this critique was presented to Lopetegui, he firmly disagreed, stating, “For sure, for sure. For me, it’s very clear. They have one way to play, to attack and to defend, for sure.”
He emphasized the importance of analyzing United’s tactics to develop a strategy for victory. “We are going to play against a very big team—Manchester United is one of the best teams in the world. We have to be ready to face them and work hard to beat them.”
Facing a potential defeat at home against an underperforming Manchester United would add more pressure on Lopetegui, but he remains unfazed by the stress of coaching.
“When you become a coach, you live with pressure always. This is normal, and sometimes it is good too. It is our kind of life.”
Lopetegui believes in the potential of his players, expressing confidence that positive results will come. “There are a lot of matches in front of us, and I believe a lot in these players. The good results are going to arrive. The only way to achieve this is through hard work, being self-critical, and striving to improve.”
