Julen Lopetegui says his West Ham team will come up against the “best team in the Premier League” when they play Arsenal on Saturday.
The Gunners are fourth in the top flight after 12 games, nine points behind runaway leaders Liverpool, but that hasn’t stopped Lopetegui from declaring Arsenal as England’s leading side.
The Spaniard will have to watch from the stands at the London Stadium due to a one-match touchline ban incurred following his third yellow card of the season in the 2-0 win at Newcastle on Monday night.
All eyes on Arsenal 👀 pic.twitter.com/t8pgBocdaH
— West Ham United (@WestHam) November 28, 2024
Lopetegui doesn’t believe it will have a huge effect on the outcome, though.
He said: “The most important thing is the players on the pitch. They have to be able to compete against, in my opinion, the best team in the Premier League and one of the best teams around the world.
“I am not going to be on the bench but that’s okay. Maybe I have to improve sometimes my way to say my feelings.”
Lopetegui is an animated presence during games and dismissed the suggestion he had been singled out for special attention by officials.
No. Sometimes I am passionate and sometimes you try to say something or you act or make an action with your hands,” he added.
“I always try to have respect for referees. I don’t feel they treat me badly.”
Lopetegui ignoring sack talk
The victory on Tyneside lifted the gloom around West Ham and also eased the pressure on Lopetegui, whose side are 14th in the table.
On the scrutiny around his position, Lopetegui said: “I am not aware about the things that are not under my control. I always put the focus on the daily work and things that can help the team and my players.
“My focus is to be a better team, this is the main aim that we have as a coach and coaching staff.”
West Ham have “two or three little problems” injury-wise ahead of the weekend but Lopetegui would not disclose the players involved.
