Guido Rodríguez insists he is close to be being back to his best having enjoyed a thoroughly productive first full pre-season at West Ham United so far.
The Argentinian World Cup winner started and completed 72 minutes of the Hammers’ Premier League Summer Series opener against Manchester United on Saturday night, which saw Jarrod Bowen notch a neat goal in the second half after two Bruno Fernandes strikes.
Despite the disappointing result, Rodríguez believes there were plenty of positives to take from the overall display, that saw him partnered in midfield by James Ward-Prowse and Tomáš Souček, before youngsters Preston Fearon and Freddie Potts were introduced later on.
And he is confident he is benefiting from a sustained off-season period with the coaching staff and his teammates this time around, after experiencing a quick turnaround to Premier League action last summer, following his arrival at the Club just eleven days before the domestic top-flight kick-off.
“I’ve been working hard as always, and the truth is that I feel good,” said Rodríguez, who made 24 appearances in all competitions for the Irons in 2024/25, and forced his way back into the starting XI towards the end of term.
“Last year I had arrived very close to the start of the Premier League, and I had not had a pre-season. Pre-seasons are always important, and good to experience, so I’m happy to have been here for the whole thing this time, and I think it’s going to help me on the pitch.
“The first match wasn’t exactly what we were looking for, but I think we did some good things and I know we’re going to continue improving.
“I am in constant communication with the coach (Graham Potter), and talking to him about what he wants for me, so for now things are positive and heading in the right direction, and we’re looking forward to what’s left to come in the USA.”
Following their final training session at Rutgers University on Tuesday morning, West Ham are set to fly to Chicago, Illinois, where they will contest their second Summer Series fixture against Everton on Wednesday evening (5.30pm CDT, 11.30pm BST).
While he enjoyed being back at the MetLife Stadium for the Manchester United game, having been part of the Argentina squad which defeated Chile and Canada there on their way to winning the 2024 Copa América, he is overall enjoying being back in the States, and immersing himself in a different culture.
Indeed, Rodríguez was out and about at an Art of Football event at the Pelé Soccer store in Times Square on Sunday, alongside Andy Irving and Lewis Orford, where the trio engaged with fans and continued to spread the West Ham word.
Rodríguez added: “I had been to the MetLife before with Argentina. It’s a great venue, and I didn’t expect it to be as full as it was!
“It was a shame we couldn’t get the win for the supporters who were there, because they were really loud and cheered us on throughout the match.
“It’s always great to meet fans around the world, and I’m excited to continue to do that during the rest of the trip.”
Tickets for West Ham United's two remaining Premier League Summer Series matches - against Everton and Bournemouth - are on General Sale HERE, with supporters able to save 20% on select seats by using the code PLSS20.
