Julen Lopetegui relishing chance to kick-start West Ham tenure with Liverpool 'opportunity'

Julen Lopetegui believes Wednesday’s Carabao Cup tie against Liverpool is a “big opportunity” to secure his first statement win as West Ham manager.

The Hammers have beaten only Crystal Palace in the Premier League and Bournemouth in the Carabao Cup since Lopetegui replaced David Moyes as manager this summer.

Lopetegui believes that is partly explained by three difficult home fixtures in the league, in which West Ham have been beaten at the London Stadium by Aston Villa, Manchester City and Chelsea.

West Ham travel to Anfield on Wednesday for their Carabao Cup third-round tie against Liverpool, who have conceded just twice this season in all competitions under new manager Arne Slot.

“It’s always a big challenge but a big opportunity,” Lopetegui said, when asked whether victory at Liverpool would feel like the kick-starting of his tenure.

“All these [big games] are one opportunity to grow up and to be able to have a good answer.

“In football, when you win, you are more confident. We have to be able to create these kinds of wins. We have to produce our performances, on and off the ball. Step by step, I think we are going to be able to do it.

“Until now, we have played three teams at home that are one step ahead of us. All the summaries have to be at the end of the season.”

The Spaniard said of Liverpool: “They are one team who are not only able to play well and score a lot of goals, they concede very few chances. They are a very aggressive team, with physically a very intense counter-press.

“They are a very complete team. To compete with these types of teams, you have to be very close to perfection.”