The resumption of the Premier League at last gives Hammers fans something to focus on apart from the mixed messages coming from Lucas Paquetá’s behind closed doors hearing and a seemingly endless swathe of transfer rumours reported in advance of the June 1st Window.
Graham Potter suggested yesterday that Paquetá was coping ok and should be available to play against Wolves:“‘He has trained well and is acting absolutely normally,’ said Potter. ‘He has just got to deal with what he’s got to deal with but, from our perspective, he is available and we are looking forward to him playing”
However behind the scenes clearly the Brazilian is struggling to deal with the stress. Who wouldn’t, with their career on the line.
Reports today suggest Paquetá might choose not to play: The club are, apparently, leaving it up to him to decide. Dailymail.co.uk today writes:
“West Ham star a doubt to play this week as his career hangs in the balance” .And goes on to put into words what everyone associated with the club and the player must be thinking:
Even if the hearing concludes this week, they do not know how soon they will learn the verdict, meaning they fear being in limbo waiting for the career-defining news”
Is it possible, under these enormously trying circumstances, for Paquetá to focus on a game of football? Only the player himself will really know.
Under Lopetegui, when the stress was rising last Autumn and the charges were initially brought by the FA, Paquetá put together a string of anonymous lacklustre performances so it might be best for someone to make the decision for him and give the guy the night off.
Lucas Paquetá denies all of the charges made against him.