Julen Lopetegui questions Mohammed Kudus’ team commitment

West Ham United manager Julen Lopetegui has raised concerns about Mohammed Kudus' contribution as a team player following a difficult start to the 2024/25 English Premier League season.

Kudus, who started in West Ham's recent match against Brentford that ended in a 1-1 draw, was substituted at halftime for Carlos Soler after the Hammers found themselves trailing.

In a post-match interview, Lopetegui explained that the decision to replace Kudus was tactical, emphasizing the need for the team to function cohesively.

“It was a tactical decision. I was thinking we need that. I was thinking that was better for the team, and we needed these kinds of changes.

The second half we worked as a team,” he stated.

These remarks have sparked discussions regarding Kudus' commitment to team dynamics, prompting the young forward to focus on demonstrating his willingness to contribute effectively during training in the coming week.

Despite the scrutiny, Kudus' talent is well-recognized, having showcased his capabilities in both the English Premier League and Europa League during his debut season with the club.

As the season progresses, it will be crucial for Kudus to align his individual skills with the team's collective goals to regain the manager's full confidence.