Jarrod Bowen delivered a directive to his teammates regarding incoming West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui, expressing his unequivocal disapproval of the Spaniard.
Jarrod Bowen is the best person to personify David Moyes’ tenure at West Ham United.
When the Scot returned to West Ham in the January 2020 transfer window, Bowen was among his first purchases.
He is also among the best captures the club has ever made.
It seemed appropriate that Bowen was the one who ended West Ham’s 43-year major trophy drought and gave Moyes his first piece of silverware in Prague last summer.
Moyes and Bowen have been a terrific team.
The Scot will depart West Ham the next weekend, albeit all good things must come to an end.
Next season, Bowen will be managed by former Wolves head coach Julen Lopetegui.
In observance of Moyes, the Hammers management is delaying official confirmation of Lopetegui until after the season.
At West Ham, Lopetegui has everything to prove.
It wouldn’t be absurd to assume that not all Hammers supporters think highly of the Spaniard.
The “sexier” choices, such as Ruben Amorim, Thomas Tuchel, and Paulo Fonseca, were thought to fit Moyes’ replacement better—they were more forward-thinking, creative, and attack-oriented.
We’ve been informed that Lopetegui has been unemployed since leaving Wolves in August of last year.
Many commentators, reporters, and observers have cautioned West Ham fans to “be careful what they wish for.”
Lopetegui has been the subject of serious doubts in the media. Paul Merson’s claim that he might spend 25 years at West Ham and not do what Moyes did in four and a half is one of the more recent examples.
And Julian Dicks, a Hammers great, had serious concerns regarding the Lopetegui call.
The 57-year-old’s hiring may not have thrilled everyone, but Lopetegui will undoubtedly have the support of West Ham supporters from the beginning.
And now, a young leader on the team is urging his colleagues to follow suit.
Bowen makes feelings clear on Lopetegui
Bowen has made his feelings clear on new West Ham boss Lopetegui.
West Ham’s top goalscorer and Hammer of the Year has more reason than most to be loyal to Moyes.
But Bowen insists he will embrace and respect Lopetegui, his methods and philosophy. Even if it does mean getting used to a new accent having only just got his head around Moyes’.
And he is calling on his teammates to follow suit and be open minded to the change too.
“I don’t think he’ll (Moyes) ever be forgotten here…” Bowen said, as reported by The Mirror.
“What he’s done for this club speaks for itself…
“As tough as it sounds, you have to move on – (it’s like) when we came back last summer, we had to forget about winning a trophy because we had to get on with a new season.
‘Embrace new manager’ Bowen tells teammates
“The same applies to managers – when a new one comes through the door, you have to listen to what they want, respect their philosophy and everyone jumps on board.
“It will probably be a bit weird coming in for pre-season and the gaffer’s not here – and I’ve only just got used to his accent!”
Bowen also said he is now motivated to show he can continue to perform at a high level under a different manager.
Despite some of the negativity around Lopetegui’s appointment, many have started to warm to the idea having heard some considered views from those more informed on the ex Spain and Real Madrid manager’s career.
But fans will have to see signs of a distinct change in the way the team plays and approaches games under Lopetegui.
The Premier League’s smallest and second oldest squad must also be drastically improved this summer to give Lopetegui a chance of progress.
It is hugely encouraging, though, to see a key player such as Bowen being open to a new manager and fresh ideas.
Let’s hope his teammates share the same mentality and take his words on board.
