Yesterday was packed full of requests to discuss the reported rift between West Ham gaffer Julen Lopetegui and Mohammed Kudus.
Understandably, the club was keen to shift the narrative toward something more positive, but diluting the language is unlikely to fool anyone already aware that the two had to be physically separated.
Whilst I don’t particularly want to sugar-coat what was obviously a feisty disagreement, there is a possibility that some positives can come from it.
Since the start of the season, I’ve wondered whether Kudus was getting frustrated by being deployed out of position on the left wing. Lopetegui supposedly spent last season studying every West Ham game in microscopic detail, so I find it quite puzzling that he does not seem to know how best to utilise one of his top attackers.
Whether this situation was openly discussed between coach and player, we will never know, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Kudus was simply taking one for the team and quietly going about his business.
It’s entirely possible that mounting frustrations resulted in an argument between the two, and perhaps that is no bad thing. It may have provided an opportunity for the kind of frank, brutal, and honest conversations that can actually help clear the air.
One can only hope that if there is a positive outcome from what appears to be a dressing-room row, it could be that Lopetegui might be able to press the reset button on Kudus.
The former Ajax man should be a crucial attacking threat for West Ham, and it’s safe to say that he has been less than that this season. The Hammers’ coaching staff must find a way to get the best out of the Ghanaian, and I would not be surprised if we see that against Ipswich.
I suspect this weekend’s Premier League encounter will provide both player and manager with the opportunity to prove their points, and it could well be that the Tractor Boys feel the full brunt of that reaction.
Ian’s point is true. I’ve heard many a fan saying how Mo should be played in his favoured position. But it’s not clear where that is. Some say on the right some say down the middle. Generally not many people say on the left but he did play there a lot last season and did well.
If my memory serves me correctly Kudus spent most of last season on the left, so cannot see what the fuss is about let the guy get on with his job.
🤞🤞🤞🤞🤞We hope Gonzo!!