Julen Lopetegui’s West Ham tenure has been marred by deficiencies, with the 1-1 draw at Brentford offering little solace. The team’s resilience was the sole positive, highlighting the struggles Lopetegui faces.

With £155m spent on nine new players, pressure mounts on Lopetegui. West Ham’s performances have been underwhelming, lacking style and cohesion. Debate rages over the primary issues: defensive vulnerability, minimal big chances created, or midfield disarray.

The midfield, comprising Edson Alvarez, Lucas Paqueta, Guido Rodriguez, Carlos Soler, and Tomas Soucek, lacks cohesion. Only Soucek has delivered consistent performances.

Former captain Nigel Reo-Coker, who led West Ham to the 2005 FA Cup final, expressed concerns after visiting the team’s training camp. “My biggest worry is the lack of characters…especially with how things are going,” Reo-Coker said on BBC’s 5 Live.

Lopetegui’s decision to make Jarrod Bowen captain has been criticized. West Ham lacks players willing to rally the team or drive performance.

Reo-Coker noted, “For me, Bowen is someone who can be a character and personality, but I just think now it is too much for him to do it by himself.” Leaders may emerge, but Lopetegui needs players to lead by example on the pitch.

West Ham’s players must show determination and grit. This will provide Lopetegui a foundation to build upon.

The Hammers’ struggles are compounded by the loss of influential figures like Mark Noble, Declan Rice, Angelo Ogbonna, and Kurt Zouma. Lopetegui must address the character void and ignite his team’s spark.

As pressure intensifies, Lopetegui’s ability to rectify West Ham’s deficiencies will define his tenure. Can he foster a winning mentality and unleash his team’s potential?