West Ham Boss Julen Lopetegui Addresses Player Dismissals and Team Consistency

West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui has commented on his team providing an “advantage” to opponents when players are sent off. Mohammed Kudus and Edson Alvarez have both received red cards in the league this season, with both matches concluding in defeat for the Hammers, who are currently 14th in the standings with three wins from 10 games. Kudus is serving a five-game ban, having been issued an additional two matches by the Football Association for his conduct following his dismissal against Tottenham last month. Lopetegui stated: “We have to try not to give the opponent different advantages that we can avoid – for example, the red cards.” He added, “We can do better in a lot of moments of the match. If you want to compete in the Premier League, the first step is to try to be consistent.” The manager emphasized the need for “better answers in the moments- more calm, better decisions,” describing Kudus’ red card as “unacceptable” and an action to “try to avoid.” He noted, “He knows. But this is part of the past.” Looking ahead, Lopetegui confirmed, “These two players are not going to play Saturday. I prefer to focus on the players who are going to be ready to face Everton.” Alvarez is commencing a two-match suspension after receiving his second red card of the season during last weekend’s defeat at Nottingham Forest. The Mexico midfielder has been dismissed twice in his past three starts for the Hammers and is the first player to be sent off two times for West Ham in a season since Aaron Cresswell in the 2021-22 campaign. “Of course, both talked and apologised to me and to the team. Both know that they were wrong. This is clear – but it is done,” Lopetegui continued. He concluded by stating, “We have to learn and to change the future. The past you can never change. You have to focus on changing the future.” Sandi Toksvig will be joined by Gyles Brandreth, Lulu, Emmanuel Sonubi, and Alan Davies. Audiences are invited to sing along to songs by Queen, Taylor Swift, Bon Jovi, Katy Perry, and other artists. Ben Fogle and Kate Humble are returning to host the festivities at Longleat Safari Park. Topics covered include microplastics in the air, soil, and waterways, as well as the volume of food waste observed at this time of year. © 2024 BBC. The BBC states it is not accountable for the content found on external sites. Details regarding its policy on external linking are available.