Suddenly this weekend there was almost a whiff of compromise in the air: Previously branded ‘want-away’ players were coming out with more conciliatory remarks, those who we thought were ‘gone forever’ are back-pedalling and there’s an altogether more moderate atmosphere around the dressing room at London Stadium.
Mohammed Kudus speaking to whufc.com: After underlining what we all know about Kudus being best suited to playing on the right (except Lopetegui) :”*It was good to score, and the goal came from where I’m most natural, on the right,*“
But then instead of moaning about being out of position he states: “It’s all about the team though, and I’ll keep learning and improving to adapt to wherever I’m asked to play.” Hardly the firebrand words of a West Ham rebel. Interesting.
Most Read on West Ham News
From Jean Clair Todibo as reported earlier today on instagram:” I’m not gonna leave, West Ham Are Massive: Don’t believe everything in the media”. See what I mean? Conciliatory. And even from Spain, Loanee Nayef Aguerd suddenly coming out with comments to the effect of:” “I still have two years left on my contract with West Ham…. I don’t know if I’ll have to go back, I don’t know if I’ll stay here, I don’t know if I’ll go anywhere else, it’s not in my hands.” (Reported to marca.com) This from the same Nayef Aguerd who couldn’t wait to leave West Ham and made fond farewell posts to the fans: Suddenly it seems as if one by one, these Hammers who’d been protesting and desperate to leave are becoming more moderate, conciliatory and less hostile.
Charm offensive behind the scenes? Maybe, just maybe something is happening to bring players back into the fold and feel the love.
If results on the pitch follow, this could be another little step in the right direction. No new dressing-room bust-ups to write about either. Perfect.