Five big things spotted in West Ham training for Newcastle as Julen Lopetegui barks at sloppy star

But he’s not going down without a fight it seems.

It is clear for all to see from the Spaniard’s approach to training this week that he means business.

The 57-year-old even has West Ham training at night to prepare for the evening kick-off.

A journalist close to the club’s owners has claimed Lopetegui could be sacked if the Hammers lose heavily at Newcastle.

Given how open West Ham have been this season and how good the Magpies are right now, that is certainly not beyond the realms of possibility.

West Ham head to St James’ Park in the Premier League on Monday night for the live Sky Sports clash.

The Hammers were booed off following the 0-0 draw at home to Everton last time out.

Newcastle are looking to make it four straight wins after victories over Forest, Arsenal and Chelsea.

As much as Lopetegui has failed to inspire fans and players thus far, some of the blame has to sit with the main protagonists.

While there are justifiable misgivings over tactics and team selection from supporters, the players have shoulder some responsibility too.

Now it seems there’s no more Mr Nice Guy as Lopetegui gets serious.

Here’s five big things spotted in West Ham training for Newcastle as Lopetegui barks at sloppy star.

Lopetegui makes big changes to West Ham sessions

Besides making his players train at night, Lopetegui has also been upping the workload ahead of Newcastle.

West Ham have lacked resilience and toughness this season. In fact that accusation is valid all year.

Well now it seems Lopetegui is trying to toughen his players up.

Footage released by the club shows West Ham’s players being well and truly worked.

There is a clear shift in the intensity of the sessions. Players are having to do weights outdoors as part of the regime as well as high-energy drills while instructions are repeatedly shouted at them by the manager and his staff.

Some of the coaches are even putting players under physical pressure during the drills to ensure they are being pushed to their limits.

That and the switch to evening sessions shows the manager is no longer pussy-footing around.

Hammers boss in deep conversation with underwhelming duo

Since arriving at West Ham, Guido Rodriguez has flattered to deceive.

The midfielder has lost his place in the Argentina squad as a result.

Word is Rodriguez isn’t happy and regrets signing for the Hammers.

He also showed his disgust at Lopetegui subbing him off during the draw with Everton.

Another summer midfield arrival who has struggled is Carlos Soler. The Spaniard has looked too lightweight so far but has had limited game time.

Lopetegui doesn’t seem to have given up on either yet, though.

The Hammers boss was spotted deep in conversation with the two Spanish speakers as players headed out onto the Rush Green pitches.

Is that a hint we may be about to see Solder get a start alongside Rodriguez in midfield when West Ham go to Newcastle? Perhaps in place of Lucas Paqueta?

Lopetegui barks at sloppy star Todibo

Continuing the theme of Lopetegui getting tough with his players, Jean-Clair Todibo was left in no doubt he needed to up his game.

The jury is still very much out on the Frenchman.

In some games he has looked like an elite centre-back up there with the likes of William Saliba. In others he’s made costly errors and seems half asleep.

His performances at Spurs and Forest were particularly sloppy. At Forest he ridiculously tried chipping the ball over Ola Aina’s head, got it badly wrong and the fullback smashed it into the top corner.

Lopetegui can be heard shouting ‘come on’ repeatedly at Todibo as he goes through drills with his hands tucked in his sleeves.

In one particular drill where he must run between inflatable mannikins, Lopetegui demands: “Come on JC, good actions, come one, go,” before he sets off.

But Todibo doesn’t do the drill properly, forgetting to sprint back to the first inflatable. And Lopetegui lets him know, barking ‘Go to the first one, go to the first one’ and staying on his case until he finishes.

Three young stars involved in West Ham training

Lopetegui has been under fire this week for essentially lying about looking to youth when he joined West Ham.

The under pressure Hammers boss has given zero minutes to club-trained players this season.

Only three other clubs share the same damning statistic.

There were encouraging signs at Rush Green, though, with three young academy stars in first team training.

Left-back-cum-midfielder Ollie Scarles, midfielder Tyron Akpata and striker Kamarai Swyer can all be seen in the footage.

Unfortunately the reality is it was probably just to make up the numbers.

Time will tell.

West Ham duo looking particularly sharp

Danny Ings looks in superb form in training and must be pushing for a start.

Soler also looks very good indeed and pulls off some nice passes and finishes.

It will be hoped the PSG loan star can start to translate that into games now.

Some of Soler’s finishes draw shouts of ‘nice’ from his teammates. He scores three beautifully taken goals in an intense small-sided game.

Also spotted at West Ham night training

In a gallery of images from night training, Lopetegui is seen sharing a laugh with captain Jarrod Bowen.

Michail Antonio is pictured back in training after missing the Jamaica squad due to a lost passport.

The players look all smiles despite being made to train late and in the freezing weather.

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