|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Mohammed Kudus’ red card during West Ham United’s 4-1 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday has raised fresh concerns about his relationship with manager Julen Lopetegui.
The 24-year-old Ghanaian international, who scored the Hammers’ only goal of the match, was sent off in the 86th minute for violent conduct following an altercation with Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven.
Kudus’ dismissal, after hitting van de Ven and brushing Pape Matar Sarr in the face, will see him miss West Ham’s next three Premier League games.
His actions have left fans frustrated and put further strain on his relationship with Lopetegui, who has been under increasing pressure after a series of disappointing results.
The tension between Kudus and Lopetegui has been apparent since their heated argument at halftime during West Ham’s match against Brentford a few weeks ago.
The incident has sparked concerns that the rift between the two may be affecting the team’s dynamics.
Daily Mirror journalist Ryan Taylor commented on the situation via social media, saying, “Could cut the tension with a knife between Julen Lopetegui and Mohammed Kudus as the latter left the field following his red card.”
With Kudus being one of West Ham’s standout attacking players, resolving this ongoing tension will be crucial if the Hammers are to retain his services and regain form in the Premier League.