After parting ways with David Moyes, West Ham United swiftly appointed Julen Lopetegui as their new head coach.
Lopetegui, who formerly managed Wolverhampton Wanderers, will officially start with West Ham on July 1, following their ninth-place finish in the 2023/24 season with 52 points.
He will be accompanied by compatriots Pablo Sanz (assistant head coach), Oscar Caro (head of performance/assistant coach), Juan Vicente Peinado (head of analysis/assistant coach), Borja De Alba (fitness coach), and Edu Rubio (technical coach).
All five have previously worked with the 57-year-old during his coaching stints with Porto, Spain, Real Madrid, Sevilla, and Wolves.
This article examines Lopetegui’s appointment from a Fantasy Premier League (FPL) perspective.
JULEN LOPETEGUI: THE HISTORY
Julen Lopetegui began his senior management career with Porto in 2014, having previously worked within Spain’s youth setup. In his first season, he led Porto to the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals. However, he was dismissed midway through the following season after a first league defeat in nearly a year and an early exit from European competition.
Lopetegui then became the manager of Spain, maintaining an unbeaten record over two years. However, he was sacked just before the 2018 FIFA World Cup after it was announced he would join Real Madrid the following season. His tenure at Real Madrid was short-lived, lasting only 14 games, with six wins and six losses.
In 2019, Lopetegui joined Sevilla, where he won the UEFA Europa League in 2020 and secured three consecutive top-four finishes in La Liga. In November 2022, he took over a Wolves squad that was at the bottom of the Premier League, guiding them to a comfortable mid-table finish. However, disagreements over summer transfer plans led to his departure just before the new season.
JULEN LOPETEGUI: PLAYING STYLE/TACTICS
“My primary goal is for my team to have a defined personality and clear tactics so that we can find the best solutions during the game. This requires each player’s commitment and understanding of the game.” – Julen Lopetegui
Lopetegui is known for his defensive approach, making his teams tough to break down but not particularly exciting in attack. For instance, Wolves scored only 23 goals in his 23 Premier League games. Alarmingly, they ranked lowest in both big chances and minutes per expected goal (xG).
Defensively, Lopetegui’s teams excel. In his final season at Sevilla, they conceded the fewest goals (30) and kept 22 clean sheets. His preferred formations are 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1, with attacking full-backs, a compact midfield, and wingers who cut inside.
Lopetegui is also flexible, sometimes opting to play without a traditional centre-forward.
JULEN LOPETEGUI: THE FPL PROSPECTS
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With players like Jarrod Bowen and Mohammed Kudus, Fantasy managers could find valuable options in the West Ham squad by August. While Lopetegui’s defensive style might not benefit offensive assets, Bowen’s performance last season shows individual players can still thrive under pragmatic managers. Bowen scored 20 goals in all competitions (16 in the Premier League) and delivered in key matches against top teams.
If West Ham secures a top centre-forward this summer, Bowen could return to his preferred right-wing position, enhancing his effectiveness. He fits the profile of a Lopetegui winger, posing a threat in the half-spaces.
“Scoring 20 goals a season has to be the minimum if I want to be compared with elite players and earn England call-ups. Elite players consistently hit those numbers. It’s about doing it this season and beyond. That’s my standard now.” – Jarrod Bowen
Kudus, with eight goals and nine assists in his debut Premier League season, could elevate his game in 2024/25, depending on Lopetegui’s impact and the availability of key creator Lucas Paqueta, who faces a potential long ban for alleged betting breaches.
Defensively, FPL managers can be optimistic about Lopetegui’s influence. Despite West Ham’s poor defensive record last season, their full-backs, Vladimir Coufal and Emerson Palmieri, combined for 12 attacking returns. Lopetegui might seek more dynamic full-backs, similar to his conversion of winger Jesus Navas to right-back at Sevilla, potentially improving the team’s defensive value.
Goalkeeper Alphonse Areola could be a bargain at £4.5m in FPL if West Ham’s defense solidifies under Lopetegui. With no European commitments, West Ham’s pre-season friendlies, including matches in the United States against Wolves and Crystal Palace, will be closely watched.
Lopetegui will begin working with the team in early July, and if West Ham shows progress and has a favorable set of opening fixtures, their players could become strong FPL contenders.
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