West Ham coach Lopetegui issues warning to Mohammed Kudus

West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui has issued a stern warning to Mohammed Kudus after his red card incident against Tottenham last weekend.

Kudus was given his marching orders for pushing Spurs stars Pape Matar Sarr and Micky van de Ven during the dying embers of his side’s 4-1 defeat.

This incident has led to Kudus being suspended for the visit of Manchester United on Sunday, and to make matters worse, he’s been charged by the FA for allegedly acting in an improper manner and/or using violent conduct after the offense he was sent off for.

“Unfortunately Kudus is going to be out for three matches because his behaviour was not good and he knows that,” he said on Friday.

“He knows he has to improve because this can’t happen. I hope it’s the last time this happens. I’m sure it is not going to happen [again].

“I talked with him and sometimes you don’t have to talk a lot about this kind of situation because he knows it was a mistake. I say, for sure, that he will learn about this incident and his behaviour will handle this better in the future.”

Lopetegui has dismissed the pressure surrounding his current position, saying it is part and parcel of being a coach.

Kudus’ disciplinary issues have been a concern, and this incident may potentially hinder his progress and impact the club’s future matches. He’s been one of West Ham’s most dangerous players this season, but his growing frustration needs to be addressed.

West Ham currently sits in 15th place in the Premier League heading into the weekend, but have a good recent record against Erik ten Hag’s equally underperforming side, winning the last two fixtures at the London Stadium without conceding a goal.