Mohammed Kudus’ form raises questions over dressing room unrest
By Lukman MUMIN, Accra
Mohammed Kudus is yet to hit the ground running in his second season at West Ham United despite appearing in all six games of the new English Premier League season.
Under new manager Julen Lopetegui, the Ghanaian midfielder has struggled to replicate the form that saw him hog the headlines week-in-week-out last season. Kudus scored 14 goals and delivered six assists in his first season, making him a fan-favourite at the London Olympic Stadium.
However, being taken off after the first half of the Premier League game against Brentford summed up the form of the attacking midfielder this season.
Kudus was visibly unhappy following his substitution as he walked to the bench in frustration, portraying a public fall out with the gaffer.
According to reports in England, the former Ajax midfielder is gradually losing his spot in Lopetegui’s team after the Spanish trained suggested Kudus was not a team player. It was also revealed that the player had words with the manager.
“It was for tactical reasons,” said the head coach after the Brentford game. “The second half we worked as a team, and for me this is a very important step. I highlighted the behaviour in the second half because I think we put on the pitch what we needed.”
With West Ham having a poor start to the season, Lopetegui would not want to be involved in a dressing room unrest with his players but it seems Kudus’ game time may be reduced as the ex-Real Madrid trainer searches for results and consistency.
