The ritual that is the Premier League press conference seemed more of a precursor to a public execution today. Never before have I heard more than one journalist apologise for asking upsetting questions of a football coach. When [Lopetegui](https://www.claretandhugh.info/lopeteguis-next-must-win-game-do-us-a-favour/) was asked ‘what’s gone wrong’ with his time at [West Ham](https://www.claretandhugh.info/west-ham-source-the-reality-of-this-potter-talk/), the journo’ in question apologised after for his bluntness.
As did others for asking ‘upsetting’ questions. There was an air of -was it – sympathy? In the press room for this tortured, tense, tired man.
In what seemed a specifically pre-planned sentiment, Lopetegui launched a belated defence of his players after so many reports of bust-ups with Mohammed Kudus, Jean Clair Todibo and Edson Alvarez: This is the first time I have heard the Hammers head coach openly try to shift the narrative rather than bluster his way through:
_“The players have been fantastic”_
_**“**I don’t have anything to say against my players”_
_“I will not talk bad about my players”_
_“I accept all the responsibility and pressure.”_
And when asked directly about those dressing room bust-up stories, Lopetegui could only try and play down, But he couldn’t deny:”_The things that happen in the dressing room have to stay in the dressing room… Nothing important happened.”_
It seems to me that he has finally realised that the _methods_ are just as important as the results on the pitch, and being reported as overseeing very clear conflicts with several West Ham players can only end one way. So now he is seeking to be more inclusive in his words and shelter the players from blame for the predicament he is in, hoping perhaps to win back favour within his own squad.
And of course, Lopetegui is focused solely on the Wolves game, admitting he’s looking no further ahead:_“_
_The next match you play is the most difficult match you play.”_
When asked if he would leave as he had done before, Lopetegui tried to play down his walk out at Wolves and commented: _I have a big commitment in my work always, with my clubs always, and I am very happy to stay in West Ham, very proud to be in West Ham._
I feel sorry for him. He means well. But it feels as if he’s involved in a game of ‘chicken’ with the board who seem to be prepared to wait for him to walk out, thus saving them from any compensation payments due under his contract. And in the meantime – everyone else suffers along with him.