Julen Lopetegui, West Ham’s manager, jokingly ruled himself out of his team’s next game after being forced to use crutches following their devastating League Cup defeat at Liverpool.
Football injuries are typically limited to players, but Loptegui was so enraged by the London club’s performance during Wednesday’s humiliating 5-1 defeat that he injured his calf while jumping in fury.
The Spaniard shuffled around West Ham’s training site on Thursday and may still be on crutches for the Premier League encounter against London rivals Brentford on Saturday.
“I can’t play in this match, for sure,” Lopetegui joked. “I have a little injury in my calf. But it’s not important. I don’t play so it’s not important.”
West Ham’s new manager, who formerly led Spain and Real Madrid, is facing mounting criticism following a terrible start to the season. The club is currently 14th in the Premier League table with only one win in their first five games.
“We know we have to improve,” said Lopetegui, who will be without Edson Alvarez against Brentford following the midfielder’s red card on Wednesday.
“We are just starting. The demand is high. The Premier League is going to be long for all of us and these players are going to improve. I am sure of this.
“It’s true we need one win and we want to win the next match. The next challenge is Brentford. A very good team, a very complete team. Very strong away and especially at home.”
Written by Chetachi Enyoghasi
