“Stop APOLOGISING and improve your discipline” Lopetegui publicly CAUTIONS Mohammed KUDUS and another player who came to apologize to him and….

Julen Lopetegui Urges West Ham Players to Improve Discipline Record

Under-pressure West Ham head coach Julen Lopetegui has called on his players to improve their discipline after Mohammed Kudus and Edson Alvarez apologized for receiving red cards.

Lopetegui’s tenure at West Ham has been marred by disciplinary issues, with the latest incidents involving Kudus and Alvarez. The pair will miss the crucial match against Everton on Saturday, adding to the pressure on Lopetegui.

Kudus’ Red Card Incident

Kudus was sent off in the Hammers’ 4-1 defeat at Tottenham for a shove to the face of Micky van de Ven and Pape Matar Sarr. The Ghanaian’s suspension was subsequently extended by two matches, and he was fined £60,000 for violent conduct by the Football Association.

Alvarez’s Red Card Incident

Midfielder Alvarez was sent off in last weekend’s 3-0 defeat at Nottingham Forest. This was his second dismissal of the season, following a sending-off against Liverpool in the Carabao Cup in September.

Lopetegui’s Reaction

“Of course, both talked and apologized to me and to the team. Both know that they were wrong, this is clear. But it is done,” Lopetegui said.

“We have to learn and to change the future. The past you can never change. You have to focus on changing the future.”

Improving Discipline

Lopetegui emphasized the importance of discipline, stating, “We have to defend better as a team. We have to try not to give the opponent different advantages that we can avoid, for example, the red cards.”

“This [Kudus’s conduct against Spurs] was unacceptable, and we have to try to avoid this kind of action. He knows. But this is part of the past. These two players are not going to play Saturday. I prefer to focus on the players that are going to be ready to face Everton.”

Pressure Mounts on Lopetegui

The defeats to Tottenham and Nottingham Forest have increased pressure on Lopetegui, who is seeking a positive result against Everton.

West Ham’s Disciplinary Record

West Ham has struggled with discipline this season, with several players receiving red cards. Lopetegui recognizes the need for improvement and has urged his players to be more cautious.

“The red cards are a problem for us. We have to avoid this. We have to be more clever, more intelligent, and more disciplined,” Lopetegui said.

Everton Match Preview

West Ham faces Everton on Saturday, with the Toffees seeking to improve their own form. The match is crucial for both teams, and Lopetegui will be without Kudus and Alvarez.

“We have to focus on the players that are available. We have to work together and try to get the three points,” Lopetegui said.

Conclusion

Julen Lopetegui’s plea for improved discipline comes at a critical juncture for West Ham. With key players missing, the team must adapt and find ways to overcome their disciplinary issues.

Key Statistics:

• Mohammed Kudus’ suspension: 3 matches
• Edson Alvarez’s red cards: 2
• West Ham’s disciplinary record: 5 red cards this season
• Everton’s away record: 2 wins, 3 draws, 2 losses

Possible Outcomes:

• West Ham secures crucial win against Everton
• Lopetegui’s disciplinary measures pay off
• Everton’s away form improves
• West Ham’s disciplinary record worsens

As the pressure mounts on Julen Lopetegui, West Ham’s players must respond to their manager’s call for improved discipline. The match against Everton will be a significant test of their resolve.