West Ham star Crysencio Summerville and Julen Lopetegui are in complete disagreement ahead of a crucial game.
Julen Lopetegui looked to have put claims of unrest in the West Ham camp behind him last week.
The Spaniard was facing the sack if the Hammers lost to Newcastle.
But West Ham recorded the second highest running statistics in the Premier League this season as they pulled off a shock 2-0 win.
Jamie Carragher warned West Ham fans and owners not to be fooled by a one-off game.
He was proved right when the Hammers reverted to type and lost 5-2 to Arsenal at the weekend.
That has piled pressure back on Lopetegui ahead of the tip to face Leicester City.
There have been claims West Ham will sack the manager should they lose against the Foxes.
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On paper Lopetegui couldn’t have picked a better opponent.
Leicester are two places below West Ham in the table and are one of only three clubs in the Premier League to have shipped more goals than them this season.
Lopetegui has a major selection headache for the crucial match.
West Ham fans love Crysencio Summerville and had been campaigning for him to be made a starter before Mohammed Kudus’ five-game ban forced the manager to do just that.
With Kudus back and Lucas Paqueta available, though, many fear Lopetegui will take the easy option and relegate Summerville back to the bench.
That will not go down well with supporters or the player who has had to be patient for his chance since a £26m summer move from Leeds.
West Ham United's Dutch striker #07 Crysencio Summerville reacts after having his goal disallowed for offside during the English Premier League foo...
Photo by HENRY NICHOLLS/AFP via Getty Images
Honest West Ham star Summerville disagrees with Lopetegui
It may not be the only thing the winger and his boss don’t see eye to eye on this week, though.
Because honest West Ham star Summerville is in disagreement with Lopetegui over what he has said ahead of the trip to Leicester.
Despite being clear favourites for the game and having a much stronger squad, West Ham’s manager has been getting his excuses in early ahead of Leicester.
Lopetegui told the press Leicester are a very good side with excellent players and that West Ham would have a tough job on their hands to beat them.
He didn’t stop there, though, in terms of setting out his excuses before the game.
The Hammers boss also talked up new Leicester City boss Ruud van Nistelrooy too.
Ironically Van Nistelrooy was one of 12 managers linked as a replacement for Lopetegui at West Ham during the international break.
Lopetegui claimed Van Nistelrooy will give Leicester a new manager bounce which will be a huge advantage for the hosts.
The Hammers boss says it always happens that players put in extra effort for a new manager – missing the irony that West Ham’s stars did not do that for him.
Fans watching Lopetegui’s press conference were left rolling their eyes at the attempts to make it sound like West Ham were going to Anfield to face Liverpool.
Summerville completely disagrees with Lopetegui and his mindset, though.
Leicester City unveil their new manager Ruud van Nistelrooy on November 29, 2024 in Eindhoven, Netherlands.
Photo by Plumb Images/Leicester City FC via Getty Images
Hammers ace refutes Lopetegui’s Van Nistelrooy claim
The 23-year-old will be coming up against his fellow Dutchman in Van Nistelrooy.
But the Hammers ace believes Van Nistelrooy’s appointment and the timing of the match will actually give West Ham an advantage.
In a much more positive take on the crucial game, Summerville says the reality is it will be more difficult for Van Nistelrooy having only worked with his players for a couple of days.
“I played Leicester last season and they have a good team with good players,” Summerville told West Ham’s website.
“It’s also hard for the coach (Van Nistelrooy) because he needs to get to know the players as he’s new there.
“But we have one job, whether it’s away or at home, and that’s to get the three points, and we’ll be going for that.”
West Ham at an advantage not disadvantage says Summerville
Summerville also revealed he put his trust in what Lopetegui told him about how he fits in at the club.
And he admits his patience has been tested when he has been regularly left out.
“He said he could help me be more important with my goals and assists to take my game to the next step,” Summerville added.
“I was really committed and I trusted in the plan.
“Every player wants to play, but you have to keep patient.”
It’s refreshing to hear a player tell it how it is.
Lopetegui talking up Leicester was fooling nobody.
Not least Summerville, who has made it clear he does not share the manager’s view that Van Nistelrooy’s appointment gives the hosts an advantage.
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