Whilst the latest result on the pitch has sent supporter contentment spiralling again, ass is not lost at London Stadium. Just a few short weeks ago, West Ham were riven by reports of dressing room bust ups and want away players: Lopetegui actually left Todibo out of the match day squad, training with the youth team after the two were involved in a dressing room spat. A month ago, we were speculating over the ‘want-away-list’ of Todibo, Kudus, Alvarez, Areola and Fullkrug: All of whom were written about in some detail as being keen to get out of London as fast as they could.
From Graham Potter’s pre- match press conference, the focus was understandably on the up and coming game against Crystal Palace. But one of his ‘throw away’ remarks was fascinating and an illustration of how far the team has come in a few weeks. Highlighted in the nytimes.com/athletic, in their article: ‘West Ham United head coach Graham Potter says he does not expect to lose any of his players during the January transfer window.’ Potter confirms ” I have no plans to lose anybody, but again, because it’s the window and because things can happen, and it’s because it’s football, you never know with any of the players, is the reality.”
But that simple statement hides the depth of the dressing room revolution that has already taken place.
Nobody, now is planning to leave. Five ‘want-aways’ reintegrated. The whole squad, even the injured players, turn out to support the team on the pitch.
Yesterday there was the reassuring sight of Jean-Clair Todibo, Niclas Fullkrug and Jarrod Bowen sitting in the Hammers’ heated seats, hidden away and wrapped up in multi-layers against the winter weather but supporting their teammates, even though they aren’t fit to play.
Certainly for Fullkrug and Todibo that would have been unthinkable a few weeks ago under Lopetegui. The very fact that it is a noticeable step forward shows just how bad morale had become.
Another Potter change, building back team unity. Gradually ironing out the kinks and getting back on track. Sometimes it doesn’t take a degree in psychology or sports management.
