Here is a rewritten version of the article, maintaining its high quality and original meaning while adjusting the tone, structure, and sentence structure to differ from the original:
West Ham’s pre-season friendly against Wolves in Jacksonville, Florida, was a baptism by fire for new manager Julen Lopetegui, as his team suffered a 3-1 defeat in a rain-soaked encounter.
The match, which was delayed by two hours due to torrential rain and thunderstorms, finally got underway after the ground staff worked tirelessly to remove standing water from the pitch.
Despite the challenging conditions, the game provided valuable insight into Lopetegui’s tactical approach and the performance of his players. Here are five key takeaways from the match:
West Ham were beaten 3-1 by Wolves on a rainy night in Jacksonville on Saturday
Lopetegui’s tactical overhaul
From the opening whistle, it was clear that Lopetegui is intent on implementing a high-intensity, pressing game at West Ham. The Spaniard’s tactics were evident in the early exchanges, as his team harried Wolves high up the pitch.
However, it’s apparent that some players will adapt more seamlessly to Lopetegui’s system than others. Tomas Soucek, for instance, struggled to impose himself in possession and was at fault for Wolves’ opening goal. In contrast, youngster Freddie Potts looked more comfortable in the system, driving his team forward with positive runs.
Julen Lopetegui’s new style of play suits some West Ham players better than others
The Hammers’ intensity waned in the second half, with Michail Antonio failing to replicate the pressure exerted by Danny Ings in the opening 45 minutes. Lopetegui still has several weeks to drill his system into his players, with the likes of Lucas Paqueta, Jarrod Bowen, and Edson Alvarez set to join the squad in Tampa next week.
Kudus shines bright
Mohammed Kudus was the standout performer for West Ham, scoring a magnificent solo goal to level the scores before the break. The 23-year-old’s pace and agility caused problems for the Wolves defense, and his withdrawal at halftime was keenly felt.
Mohammed Kudus will be key for the Hammers next season – if they can keep hold of him
Striker still on the agenda
The need for a prolific striker remains a top priority for West Ham, and this performance only served to emphasize the point. Danny Ings, who started in the No 9 position, looked sharp in the first half but was starved of service. Maxwel Cornet, meanwhile, failed to make an impact off the bench.
Technical director Tim Steidten, who attended the match, will be acutely aware of the need to strengthen the attack before the start of the new season. Jhon Duran remains a long-term target, but Steidten is exploring alternative options as the clock ticks down.
Defensive frailties persist
West Ham’s defensive issues, which plagued them towards the end of last season, were again exposed in the second half. The signing of Max Kilman was a welcome addition, but Lopetegui may need to bolster his backline further before the start of the new campaign.
The Hammers were twice punished for allowing crosses into their box, and the lack of pace in the backline was cruelly exposed by Wolves’ wingers. Right back remains a position of concern, with Manchester United’s Aaron Wan-Bissaka a top target after talks with Bayern Munich’s Noussair Mazraoui broke down.
Weather woes
The decision to play the match in Florida, despite the torrential rain, has raised eyebrows. Locals describe July as ‘flood season’ in Florida, which perhaps questions the wisdom of staging the game in this location.
The two-hour delay to kick-off, which subsequently pushed back both teams’ travel plans after the game, was less than ideal. The insistence on ensuring the match went ahead, despite the extreme weather, highlights the lucrative nature of these pre-season friendlies.