Julen Lopetegui Newcastle United press conference – We will be playing one of the more complex teams

The Julen Lopetegui Newcastle United press conference has taken place.

The West Ham boss talking on Friday ahead of Monday night’s game.

Only six months into the job, the Hammers manager finding himself now favourite to be the next Premier League boss to leave their club.

West Ham lost 3-0 at Forest in their last away game and then a poor goalless draw at home to Everton directly before the November international break.

Official Hammers site reporting on the Julen Lopetegui Newcastle United press conference – 22 November 2024:

“It’s going to be a difficult game, in a difficult environment, and we will be playing one of the more complex teams.

“We have to be ready to be able to compete with them.”

Julen Lopetegui asked about pressure:

“I don’t listen or read about what is said, I prefer to work hard.

“We put all of our focus on what we can control, and that’s working hard and trying to improve.

“The season ends in May, so let’s see how we’re doing then rather than in November.

“The only thing I’m focused on now is going to Newcastle on Monday, and trying to get a good result in a tough game.”

Julen Lopetegui asked about the team’s confidence:

“It’s true we did much better in the second half against Everton than in the first.

“We were happy with the second half, and thought we deserved to win, but we will take those positives to be more competitive in the next matches.”

Julen Lopetegui  asked about team news ahead of the Newcastle match:

“We’ve had a little problem with two players, but we have to check tomorrow. I hope they’ll be ready for Monday.

“Niclas Füllkrug is improving, but he’s not ready yet.

“Alphonse Areola is working hard and is ready.”

Julen Lopetegui asked about the international break:

“Always we use the break to improve.

“We lost a lot of players, like all the teams, but we tried to work hard, to improve as a team, like normal.

“We are working hard to get better, because we want to get to the level I think we can get to.”

Julen Lopetegui asked about performances so far:

“Our life is to live under pressure, that’s why we choose this kind of work.

“The more important thing is that we are working very hard to improve.

“The players are very committed, and we are all not happy with the position we’re in. But there’s still time, and we have to get there step-by-step.

“We have to do more and achieve the best level for every player. We have to increase the level of all the team, and that’s what we’re trying to do.”

Julen Lopetegui is asked about Monday matches:

“We have to adapt and be ready, and I think it’s an opportunity to show we are ready to be competitive, against Newcastle away on a Monday night.”