Kyle Walker-Peters: Preseason training wasn't easy, but we're ready for the new season.

West Ham United defender Kyle Walker-Peters says the team is in good form for the 2026/27 season. In their final pre-season friendly, West Ham drew 1-1 away to 2. Bundesliga side Magdeburg, finishing the pre-season unbeaten with four matches.  

During this preseason, West Ham United drew with Southend United and Rangers, and thrashed Stevenage 5-0, maintaining a stable overall performance. Kyle Walker-Peters, who joined the team last summer, continued his important role. The defender, who transferred from Southampton, made 28 appearances in the 2025/26 season, and started and played the full 84 minutes in the final preseason match against Magdeburg.  

Despite West Ham United conceding a late equalizer after Maximilian Kilman opened the scoring, Kyle Walker-Peters still believes the match provided many positive signs for the team and that their preseason preparations had achieved their intended goals.  

Kyle Walker-Peters said: "The whole preseason preparation process was really tough, but that's what everyone expected. We played some valuable preseason games, including today's game, and we've also been working hard to implement the head coach's tactical instructions on the field. I think we are fully prepared for the new season."  

“We are well aware of the team’s current situation and know that we must take concrete actions to change it. Starting with the League Cup match against Portsmouth next week, we need to put on the performance we deserve. Although it is a cup competition, it will still allow us to get used to the pace of Championship matches in advance, and our goal is always the same: to win the game.”  

Looking ahead to the new Championship season, Kyle Walker-Peters, who previously played for Southampton in the league, said: "I know the Championship very well. It's an extremely competitive competition, and every team presents a challenge. But the most important thing is to focus on ourselves, do our job, and always stay committed."  

The new season is about to kick off, with West Ham United hosting Portsmouth in the first round of the League Cup, followed by an away game against Burnley on August 16, officially beginning their 46-round Championship campaign.  

Speaking about his personal form, Kyle Walker-Peters said he looks forward to continuing to build better chemistry with captain Jarrod Bowen. He said, "I've been feeling great these past few weeks, I've been putting in my all in practice and games, and hopefully this will lead to a successful season."  

“I really enjoy playing with Jarrod Bowen. Our communication isn’t limited to the court; we also discuss game details, share ideas, and look for better ways to play together off the court. I think this connection is gradually being reflected in our games, and I hope it can continue and improve over the next few months.”  

At the end of the interview, Kyle Walker-Peters expressed his gratitude to the fans who have always supported the team, especially mentioning the approximately 500 West Ham United fans who traveled to Germany to cheer them on. He said, "The fans have given us tremendous support throughout the preseason, and their performance has been incredibly moving. We are a little disappointed that we couldn't give them a win today, because they deserved one."  

“No matter where the team is, the fans will always be there for us and support us. Their strength is invaluable. Now, the whole team is looking forward to returning to London Stadium and reuniting with them for the game against Portsmouth.”  

Image source: Internet/West Ham United official website