Julen Lopetegui says he hopes to build on the solid foundations built by his predecessor David Moyes and "make a big noise" in the Premier League.
The appointment of former Wolverhampton Wanderers head coach Lopetegui was announced by West Ham United in May, but he officially took over as successor to Moyes on 1 July.
With the opening-weekend fixture against Aston Villa less than seven weeks away and West Ham's players returning to training later this week, the Spaniard is refusing to put limits on what he can achieve.
"I am where I want to be," Lopetegui said in his first press conference on Monday. "I'm at a big club, in my opinion one of the big London clubs, and I think we have big potential. You look at the stadium, the fans - everything is in place here.
"We have a good platform - the squad, the team and the players - to go one step up, improve and to make a big noise.
"I don't want to set limits. I always say you can dream, but you have to work really hard to achieve those dreams. It's the best league with the best players and coaches, but we will believe.
"We're going to try to put those demands in the minds of the players. That for me is key. We believe in that way to work. We'll work step-by-step. For now, I'm looking forward to the Aston Villa game."
Lopetegui on his style of play
Lopetegui has suggested his tactics will be adaptable, and that he will not stick rigidly to one philosophy.
"The style has to help you to win, that is the first step," he said. "We have to be able to have the initiative, to be aggressive with the ball. But my aim as a coach is to have everything - to understand the game and have the right answers.
"We want to take advantage of all our strengths. I love attacking football, but I also love counter-attacking, and we don't need to think about one way. In football there are a lot of ways, and we have to choose our way."
The signings of exciting Brazilian winger Luis Guilherme and goalkeeper Wes Foderingham are unlikely to be the only arrivals of the transfer window.
See: Clubs' 2024 summer transfers
"We would like players as soon as possible, but it's not easy," said Lopetegui. "I can't tell you specifics, but it will be a busy summer for us for sure.
"The owner and the board have done a really good job over recent years, so we're in good shape financially."
Lopetegui confirms 'bad' Alvarez injury
Lopetegui is due to meet his players for the first time in training this week but will have to wait a while longer to work with Edson Alvarez.
"We know that Edson Alvarez has picked up an injury while he’s been away with Mexico, and he will be a miss," said the head coach.
"The injury to Edson is bad news for us. It's good the other guys are playing well for their countries, but hopefully they come back to us in good shape."
Lopetegui's first scheduled match as West Ham head coach is a pre-season friendly at Dagenham & Redbridge on Saturday 20 July.
See: Clubs' pre-season friendly matches
He will then take the Hammers to the USA for matches against his former club Wolves and London rivals Crystal Palace, before a home meeting with Celta Vigo on Saturday 10 August.
Seven days later, West Ham kick off their Premier League campaign against Villa at the London Stadium.
