Whilst the latest result on the pitch has sent supporter contentment spiralling again, ass is not lost at London Stadium. Just a few short weeks ago, West Ham were riven by reports of dressing room bust ups and want away players: Lopetegui actually left Todibo out of the match day squad, training with the youth team after the two were involved in a dressing room spat. A month ago, we were speculating over the ‘want-away-list’ of Todibo, Kudus, Alvarez, Areola and Fullkrug: All of whom were written about in some detail as being keen to get out of London as fast as they could.
From Graham Potter’s pre- match press conference, the focus was understandably on the up and coming game against Crystal Palace. But one of his ‘throw away’ remarks was fascinating and an illustration of how far the team has come in a few weeks. Highlighted in the nytimes.com/athletic, in their article: ‘West Ham United head coach Graham Potter says he does not expect to lose any of his players during the January transfer window.’ Potter confirms ” I have no plans to lose anybody, but again, because it’s the window and because things can happen, and it’s because it’s football, you never know with any of the players, is the reality.”
But that simple statement hides the depth of the dressing room revolution that has already taken place.
Nobody, now is planning to leave. Five ‘want-aways’ reintegrated. The whole squad, even the injured players, turn out to support the team on the pitch.
Yesterday there was the reassuring sight of Jean-Clair Todibo, Niclas Fullkrug and Jarrod Bowen sitting in the Hammers’ heated seats, hidden away and wrapped up in multi-layers against the winter weather but supporting their teammates, even though they aren’t fit to play.
Certainly for Fullkrug and Todibo that would have been unthinkable a few weeks ago under Lopetegui. The very fact that it is a noticeable step forward shows just how bad morale had become.
Another Potter change, building back team unity. Gradually ironing out the kinks and getting back on track. Sometimes it doesn’t take a degree in psychology or sports management.
Ooh, that’s a bit Rude Van Nistelroy, er… Martin Treasure! And don’t try to tell us it was because you hadn’t had your regular dose of caffeine or it was just too late in the evening. Not sure how you could even blame a typo as the ‘l’ and ‘s’ keys are nowhere near each other. You’d better watch out or you could get banned from this website! 😂
At least the typos make you smile. I aim to please.
Cheer up folks. We could have had Ruben Amorim as manager. The worst Manchester United manager in the history of their club.
I NEED to get to the London Stadium! Always looking for ass!
Always plenty of ass on show at the London stadium.
Ass is not lost on me either. As it says in the article
Ha ha backs to the wall boys. We have ass grabbing donkey on the loose, gold.
actually, it is quite funny. I shan’t run back and correct it but leave it as a monument to my fat fingered, poor-sighted cr@p proof reading.
Fullkrug specifically has no any right to be demanding and better to keep his mouth shut at least!
An improved morale hopefully paves the way for good performances in the nearby future.
I saw it reported that Potter told the squad that watching first team games is an expectation.
TOO BLOODY RIGHT!!!!!!!
All.well and good mate ..and I agree….good to have a squad fighting together…but you. Need a full squad. First 👍