Lopetegui praises Slot for excellent start at Liverpool

West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui has praised the job Liverpool boss Arne Slot is doing so far ahead of their Carabao Cup clash this week.

Slot, who took over Liverpool’s managerial duties from Jurgen Klopp this summer, has impressed Lopetegui with his tactical approach and ability to build on Liverpool’s strong squad.

The Hammers boss highlighted Slot’s ability to adapt while maintaining the high standards built into the foundations of Merseyside by his predecessor.

Speaking in his press conference, he said: “Liverpool is a big team and a big team around the world.

“I think they are managing this year with a good coach [Arne Slot].

“He is showing that he can continue the work of the last [few] years with his style.”

Julen Lopetegui is speaking to the press ahead of our trip to Liverpool tomorrow 🗣️

— West Ham United (@WestHam) September 24, 2024

Hammers on tour

Lopetegui also spoke about the importance of the away fans ahead of the match, noting that the energy they bring will be key to any success at Anfield.

He added: “They’ll be very important. It’ll be great to have them there, with their energy and enthusiasm.

“I hope we can get the right result for them.”

The Spaniard went on to address the substitution of midfielder Guido Rodriguez for Tomas Soucek before half-time during their recent loss to Chelsea.

Some may have viewed it as a reflection on Rodriguez’s performance, but Lopetegui clarified that the change was not a criticism of the player but rather a necessary adjustment after falling behind early.

Locked in for Liverpool 🔒 pic.twitter.com/9ZT0I6pFoH

— West Ham United (@WestHam) September 23, 2024

“When you change one player at half-time, it’s not because of form, but it’s because you feel you have to change something,” he said.

“It’s not going against one player, it’s maybe going against my first decision. I don’t like to do this, but he’s an experienced player and he knows these things can happen sometimes.”

“Always, I can learn from my mistakes. Mistakes are part of football, and you make them even when you win.

“The most important thing is we are able to do better, and we have big commitment from the players.”

West Ham will need all hands on deck if they are to overcome Liverpool, but should the Reds put out a weaker team than usual, the Hammers may fancy their chances of progressing to the next round of the Carabao Cup.