West Ham Manager Lopetegui Discusses Player Status and Upcoming Everton Match

West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui addressed reporters ahead of Saturday’s Premier League fixture against Everton, scheduled for a 15:00 kick-off. The following are the main points from his press briefing: Lopetegui verified that Niclas Fullkrug remains unfit for play, stating: “Fullkrug isn’t ready. He isn’t working with us and is going to be out for more time unfortunately. We have to check other issues tomorrow.” The coach provided further information regarding Fullkrug’s recuperation, explaining: “He has a little injury that step by step is more complicated. With the new treatment, he has to be out for the next two or three weeks but I don’t know exactly. It depends how he responds to the treatment.” Lopetegui chose not to elaborate on the prolonged suspension of forward Mohammed Kudus, remarking: “It’s not good news but we have to accept it. I prefer to focus on the players who will play on Saturday.” When asked if he had engaged in discussions with the West Ham leadership concerning the team’s recent subpar performance, he responded: “I don’t need to. I know that we are going to improve in a lot of things and overcome. We have the commitment of the players.” Regarding the messages he conveys to his squad, Lopetegui stated: “We talk a lot and they know we have to put the focus on competing better. We have big trust and confidence in the players. We don’t want to put the focus on [unavailable] players like Fullkrug, Kudus and Edson [Alvarez].” Speaking about the opposing team, he commented: “I have seen a very good team when I look at them. They look better than last year in my opinion. They have a good team and a coach who knows the Premier League very well. It’s a very balanced and complete team.”