Paco Jémez on Guardiola, West Ham’s Premier League Challenge, and Physicality in Football
Paco Jémez, assistant coach at West Ham United, recently shared his insights on a range of footballing topics, including Manchester City’s Champions League clash with Real Madrid, West Ham’s upcoming match against City, and the differences between LaLiga and the Premier League. Jémez discussed these topics in an interview with Spanish radio station Cadena Ser.
Champions League Analysis: Real Madrid vs. Manchester City
Jémez praised Real Madrid’s performance in the first leg of their Champions League tie against Manchester City, describing it as “one of the best matches you can see today.” He noted Real Madrid’s success in containing City’s attack through effective defensive organization and support from their wingers. “It’s almost impossible to tie down City because they have so much talent,” Jémez stated, acknowledging the difficulty of neutralizing a team with such attacking prowess. He also highlighted City and Madrid’s shared abundance of talent, stating both teams possess the ability to dominate.
The West Ham assistant coach expressed surprise at Pep Guardiola’s decision to field four forwards, questioning the tactical approach given Guardiola’s usual preference for a midfield-heavy setup. Despite this, Jémez acknowledged City’s overall strength and the challenge they pose. He anticipates an exciting return leg, but believes City faces a difficult task to overcome the result achieved by Real Madrid.
West Ham vs. Manchester City
Looking ahead to West Ham’s match against Manchester City, Jémez hopes City will be “distracted” by their Champions League commitments. However, he recognizes Guardiola’s focus and the likelihood that City will be fully motivated, especially after a recent league defeat to Nottingham Forest. He emphasized that City cannot afford any slip-ups in their Premier League campaign.
LaLiga vs. Premier League
Jémez weighed in on the debate surrounding which league is superior, LaLiga or the Premier League, stating that both are among the best in the world. He believes each league has its strengths, but acknowledged the financial disparity between English and Spanish clubs. “The English can seize any player,” he noted, highlighting the greater spending power of Premier League teams.
Physicality and Player Development
Jémez also discussed the importance of physicality in modern football, contrasting the standards in LaLiga with those in the Premier League. He commented on Adama Traoré’s physique, suggesting it is more suited to American football than soccer, likening him to a bodybuilder. He observed that physicality is increasingly valued in Spanish football, but stressed the importance of technical skill. “Give me players who recognize how to play football,” he said. “When physicality becomes key, you have to be good with the ball.”
Jémez, who joined West Ham in January 2026, previously managed over 500 games in Spain, Mexico, and Iran. He was appointed by Nuno Espírito Santo to add experience and knowledge to the backroom staff, as West Ham aim to improve their Premier League standing. West Ham United Official Website