Julen Lopetegui claimed that there were plenty of positives to take from West Ham’s 2-1 loss to Aston Villa, and he’s keen to build upon them in his first London derby.

Everyone knew that it was going to take time for Julen Lopetegui to integrate his new footballing philosophy as well as the new signings. However, that doesn’t make their opening day defeat to Aston Villa any less disappointing, but it’s understandable.

Thankfully, it was far from a complete disaster and there were plenty of signs that this could end up being a great season when everything clicks. Despite this, Lopetegui was keen to leave the past behind him and look forward to a challenging London derby against Crystal Palace. “I think there were good things in the Aston Villa match, which we have taken into training this week,” he told the media. “We may or may not have deserved to win, and we managed to come back from behind against what is a good side before conceding again.”

“But really, that is in the past and I think we need to look forward, now. We have been working all week to be focused and ready for the big challenge we have against Crystal Palace, so that when kick-off comes round we are able to compete at the best of our ability.”

“I think they were one of the best teams at the end of last season. They were able to create a really good feeling with many quality players and with very clear ideas. It’s my first London derby, which is exciting, and though they will be confident in themselves, we will be too. We have to put our focus on our strengths so we can overcome these difficulties, and we will be full of belief for sure. We are all 100 percent focused on this game.”

The Spaniard also provided fans with a fairly positive update on Edson Alvarez’s injury, but did hint that perhaps a player or two had picked up a minor knock (although he doesn’t allude to anything serious). “He [Álvarez] has been out for a long time, and he is progressing well,” Lopetegui stated. “But let’s see tomorrow. Like with all of our squad, we will know more then.”

“We have had some little problems in our training sessions, but maybe these can be overcome. We’re not too sure at the moment, we’re just going to have to wait and see.”

Finally, the gaffer spoke on the importance of integrating players “step by step” after their varying preseasons, in addition to whether the Hammers’ business is done. “They’re all in different conditions, because they’ve arrived here at different times and some have been here longer than others. In the end, they need to be ready to play, and they will achieve that step by step.”

“It’s up to us to make the decision about when is best to put them in the line-up, and when is best for them to come in and help us improve. But the season is long, and they are all going to be hugely important for us. The players that have come in will continue to grow with us step by step, and I am sure they will all have a part to play throughout the season.”

“It is a bit strange when the transfer window is still open while you’re trying to prepare for and play games,” he concluded, “but we have to adapt and try to stay focused on the competition. My opinion is not important, but for sure I would prefer if it closed before the season started. I don’t know what is going to happen in the remainder of the window, but we have to just keep working, stay focused on the here and now, and see what happens.”