Jack Sullivan reveals what West Ham have 'no excuse' for under Julen Lopetegui
West Ham director Jack Sullivan believes the club have “no excuse” not to have a good pre-season.
The Hammers confirmed the appointment of Julen Lopetegui earlier this month following the departure of David Moyes.
Lopetegui has promised to make a “big, big noise” in east London and is expected to be backed during the summer transfer window.
As many as six new signings could be targeted in a large-scale overhaul of the squad under the former Wolves manager.
Rebuilding a defence to have leaked fewer goals than only the three relegated teams is a priority as the Irons continue talks with Flamengo over a £15m deal to sign centre-back Fabricio Bruno.
West Ham endured a difficult pre-season last year and did not sign a player until well into August, albeit they did start the Premier League campaign well by winning four of their opening five games.
Sullivan, who defended the club ‘s pursuit of Lopetegui while Moyes was still in charge, believes the fact the Hammers acted decisively has teed them up for what could be a productive summer.
The likes of Bayern Munich struggled in their search for a new manager, such is the lack of available options.
They eventually appointed Vincent Kompany but only after reportedly being snubbed by Xabi Alonso, Ralf Rangnick and Julian Nagelsmann.
Sullivan told The Sports Agent Podcast: “‘It is very strange that at the start of the summer the manager transfer market is more interesting compared to the players’ one.
“Obviously, Lopetegui has come in and I met Julen last week for the first time and he seems very much up for the challenge, full of energy and as I said to him, we’ve got a few weeks on everybody else so there is no excuse to not have a good pre-season, which is good.
“He’s come with a great pedigree and a point to prove after obviously leaving Wolves a bit prematurely to what he would have liked. He’s been in Spain with Real Madrid and won the Europa League with Seville, so we’re excited to work with him.”
Listen to the full interview on The Sports Agents podcast this evening on Global Player
