Former Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas believes Julen Lopetegui has the track record to succeed at West Ham.

Speaking on the BBC‘s Planet Premier League podcast, Fabregas said that Lopetegui has demonstrated he is a “good coach” at both Sevilla and Wolves:

“He’s had success, obviously. All that mess that happened in the Spanish national team when he signed for Real Madrid – they kicked him out before the World Cup but when Real Madrid signs obviously something is good around you. His Sevilla team for example played quite well – they won the Europa League playing some good football.”

“At Wolves, I think he did a good job – especially in the first year. Creating a good dynamic, a very good brand of football and getting them away from the relegation zone. He’s definitely a coach that has very clear ideas of what he wants to do – he’s had success a couple of times where he’s been.

Fabregas did, however, issue a warning, stating that a period of adaptation will be needed for West Ham’s players, who are used to a very different style of play under current manager David Moyes:

“I think he could be good – but again, he plays a different style than what West Ham have done for the last couple of years.”

Lopetegui has a lot of convincing to do

While Fabregas seems to think that his fellow Spaniard can be a success at the London Stadium, he will still need to win over a majority of West Ham supporters.

The fanbase was distinctly underwhelmed when it was revealed that the Hammers had settled on Lopetegui as Moyes’ replacement, with many hoping that a more exciting name would be appointed.

The likes of ex-Chelsea coach Thomas Tuchel, former Bayern Munich manager Hansi Flick and Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben Amorim were all seemingly in the frame, but they were all overlooked in favour of Lopetegui.