Julen Lopetegui says frustration levels remain high at West Ham after last week’s thrashing at Tottenham.
But the Irons boss is warning his players to channel it the right way against Manchester United on Sunday afternoon.
Star man Mohammed Kudus is waiting to hear if his three-game ban for violent conduct is extended following another FA charge for misconduct after losing his head late in the 4-1 defeat at Spurs. West Ham have appealed the extra charge but if found guilty Kudus could face an extended ban with a decision expected in the middle of next week. Tottenham accepted a charge of failing to control their players following the incident, receiving a fine of £20,000.
And Lopetegui has stressed the importance of keeping a calm head to his players before facing Erik ten Hag’s side.
“The frustration is there but you have to understand it’s not going to help you,” he said. “Sometimes we try [to use] that frustration to push us ahead to be stronger, to work more and believe more in ourselves and be able to compete better and better.
“But if you get the frustration in a negative way it’s not going to help you, never.”
Lopetegui has spoken to Kudus about his temper after the Ghanaian first hit out at Spurs Micky van de Ven before pushing Pape Matar Sarr in the face.
It seemed out of character for the forward but Lopetegui added: “His behaviour was not good, he knows that. He’s not happy, we’re not happy. It can’t happen. I hope it’s the last time we suffer this frustration.”
Crysencio Summerville, a £25m summer signing from Leeds is expected to start in Kudus’ place tomorrow. And while Lopetegui would not discuss his line-up, he said: “I’m sure the player who is going to take Kudus’ place will do well. Sometimes a problem is an opportunity.”
West Ham have no fresh injury concerns but striker Niclas Fullkrug remains out of action for the foreseeable future.
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