Julen Lopetegui has spoken to Mohammed Kudus about his behaviour when being sent off against Tottenham last week and he does think it is wise for West Ham players to carry their frustration into Sunday’s clash against Man Utd
Julen Lopetegui says frustration levels remain high at West Ham after last week’s thrashing at Tottenham.
But the Irons boss is warning his players to channel it the right way against Manchester United on Sunday afternoon.
Star man Mohammed Kudus is waiting to hear if his three-game ban for violent conduct is extended following another FA charge for misconduct after losing his head late in the 4-1 defeat at Spurs. West Ham have appealed the extra charge but if found guilty Kudus could face an extended ban with a decision expected in the middle of next week. Tottenham accepted a charge of failing to control their players following the incident, receiving a fine of £20,000.
And Lopetegui has stressed the importance of keeping a calm head to his players before facing Erik ten Hag’s side.
The frustration is there but you have to understand it’s not going to help you,” he said. “Sometimes we try [to use] that frustration to push us ahead to be stronger, to work more and believe more in ourselves and be able to compete better and better.
“But if you get the frustration in a negative way it’s not going to help you, never.”
Lopetegui has spoken to Kudus about his temper after the Ghanaian first hit out at Spurs Micky van de Ven before pushing Pape Matar Sarr in the face.
It seemed out of character for the forward but Lopetegui added: “His behaviour was not good, he knows that. He’s not happy, we’re not happy. It can’t happen. I hope it’s the last time we suffer this frustration.”
Crysencio Summerville, a £25m summer signing from Leeds is expected to start in Kudus’ place tomorrow. And while Lopetegui would not discuss his line-up, he said: “I’m sure the player who is going to take Kudus’ place will do well. Sometimes a problem is an opportunity.”
West Ham have no fresh injury concerns but striker Niclas Fullkrug remains out of action for the foreseeable future.
The Hammers are coming off a heavy 4-1 defeat at the hands of their bitter Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur, and manager Julen Lopetegui’s seat has never been hotter.
They will be without key man Mohammed Kudus who picked up a red card for violent conduct after putting the East London side 1-0 up before Spurs turned up the gears in the second half, with Kudus now set to miss out on the club’s next three games.
Losing a player of his ability would be a blow to any club not named Manchester City, but it now seems they could be without another star.
The club recently released footage of the first team training prior to the game and there is one notable absence. Club Captain Jarrod Bowen was not featured in the video sparking worries that he could also miss the weekend’s game.
Bowen missing would be a huge blow
Bowen has been a mainstay and a star player for West Ham over the last few seasons, scoring the winning goal in the Europa Conference Final and dedicating his future to the club by signing a new contract until 2030.
The 27-year-old was formidable last season, bagging 20 goals and 10 assists in all competitions and has gotten his 24/25 campaign off to a strong start with two goals and two assists.
Lopetegui and fans will be dismayed by the result against Spurs but would also look at this bedraggled United side as a potential scalp. Erik ten Hag is under a lot of pressure due to their poor start and a loss in London could be the final nail in the coffin.
Unfortunately, missing a player of Bowen’s ability both on the field and in the dressing room would undoubtedly tip the scales in favour of the Manchester side. It was always going to be a tough fight but without Bowen, it feels like there is almost no hope.
Hopefully, we see Bowen take to the pitch on Sunday. COYI.
