Many feel the international break may have come at the perfect time for West Ham and new boss Julen Lopetegui after a mixed start.
There was always going to be intense focus on West Ham’s style and results post David Moyes.
The Hammers were heavily criticised by the wider football media – and some Hammers fans – for parting company with Moyes.
Julen Lopetegui was not necessarily West Ham’s first choice after their very public meeting with Ruben Amorim.
Indeed West Ham were not Lopetegui’s first choice either.
The Spaniard was all lined up to be the new AC Milan boss but a fan protest against the appointment saw the contract withdrawn.
West Ham majority owner David Sullivan was seriously impressed with Lopetegui in interview.
Benched West Ham star questions Lopetegui tactics
The top spokesman inside the club told Hammers News Lopetegui is a ‘true pro’. And the Hammers knew there would be criticism of the move because Moyes has ‘many friends in the media’.
After a major overhaul with nine new signings this summer, there has been much excitement around the London Stadium.
But it’s fair to say West Ham’s start has been mixed.
The Hammers were always going to be a work in progress under a new manager and with so many new signings.
There have been glimpses of progress and change in possession and passing.
However, there has been no eureka moment so far or obvious signs Lopetegui’s tactics have made an instant impact.
West Ham have lost to Villa and Man City at home in the Premier League but beat Palace away and Bournemouth at home in the Carabao Cup.
The Irons have ridden their luck in all those games, though, looking far too open at the back at times.
Hammers fans will be hoping defensive solidity will come with time as new right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka and new central defenders Jean-Clair Todibo and Max Kilman play together regularly.
Many fans have been a bit disappointed by Lopetegui’s team selections as he bloods the new arrivals in slowly – much like his predecessor used to.
A benched West Ham star has also questioned Lopetegui’s tactics but has praised his flexibility.
And the latter is the key ingredient one could argue Moyes lacked.
Vladimir Coufal’s days as West Ham’s first choice right-back are over.
Wan-Bissaka has been everything fans imagined he would be and more so far.
But Coufal has still managed to feature in every game, showing he still has an important role to play.
Reflecting on the defeat to Man City at the weekend, Coufal was somewhat critical of the way Lopetegui set the team up.
The Czech defender did praise Lopetegui for changing things mid-game, though.
Coufal also concedes the players are finding it tough adjusting to Lopetegui’s “completely different style”.
But he hopes things will start to come together sooner rather than later.
Especially as the Lopetegui and his staff have the international break to work on it.
