Lukasz Fabianski admits his first week of pre-season training with West Ham United has been ‘intense’ but the goalkeeper insists he wouldn’t have it any other way.
Fabianski linked up with the Hammers at the start of the week, following his participation at the 2018 World Cup with Poland, and met his new team-mates for the first time since joining the side from Swansea City last month.
The 33-year-old started work within hours of meeting the squad, and Fabianski is relishing his new challenge.
“It’s been cool,” the shot-stopper told whufc.com. “It’s been my first week of pre-season and I think I’ve had to jump straight in with my new team-mates.
“It’s been really intense to be honest, but that has been really useful for me as it’s given me a chance to get to know the other players and people around the Club, and how they work. It’s been a really positive week.”
It’s been really intense to be honest, but that has been really useful for me as it’s given me a chance to get to know the other players and people around the Club.
Lukasz Fabianski
One of seven new signings in at West Ham since the appointment of Manuel Pellegrini as manager, Fabianski was full of praise for the Chilean boss, citing his precision and attention to detail in every session.
He continued: “He’s a very well organised manager when it comes to preparing everything. When you walk into training you know exactly how your day and the session is going to look.
“His training methods are spot-on as well. You can see what he wants from the team and what he demands from us in every training session. That’s what you expect from a top manager, and he’s certainly a top manager.”
Fabianski is heading into his 11th season as a Premier League goalkeeper, but knows he faces strong competition for his place in the West Ham starting XI in the form of Spaniard Adrian.
The Poland international believes he and his new team-mate will only improve through their battle, something that can only benefit the side.
“Adrian’s a very good goalkeeper, and a top professional. Of course, there’s going to be competition. It’s always been that way at top football clubs. There’s always going to be a battle for your place.
“I think that’s only going to help us both though. We will both only improve. It’s positive to have good competition.”
Having enjoyed his first week of pre-season, Fabianski could be in line for his debut when the Irons travel to Portman Road to play Ipswich Town on Saturday afternoon.
For Fabianski, the opportunity to make his debut in front of 4,100 travelling Claret and Blue supporters will be an incredible experience, should he get the nod from Pellegrini.
“Let’s see how we go,” he added. “If the manager decides that I’m ready to play, then great. I feel like I’m ready so if the boss makes that decision, I’ll be very happy to play.
“It’s always an exciting, special occasion when you make a first appearance for a new club. I can’t wait to make my debut.”