Fullkrug upset with situation at West Ham, ‘it’s really frustrating’
West Ham United will benefit from giving time to Niclas Fullkrug to reach his most effective level, according to Ian Darke.
The TV commentator, speaking exclusively to West Ham Zone, however believes he will still have a job on his hands to displace Michail Antonio if Julen Lopetegui remains much longer in charge.
Lopetegui preferred Antonio to Fullkrug before the German international’s injury, from which he returned at Leicester City [3 December] to net a cameo consolation goal – his first for the Hammers.
“If he’s fit, he might still not be in the team because Lopetegui has favoured Antonio earlier in the season and he has shown that he still has plenty to offer in certain games,” Darke said.
“But I do think Fullkrug is a handy player for West Ham to have signed – he just hasn’t had the chance to prove it yet. I liked him every time I saw him for Dortmund, and for Germany. He’s a journeyman who has become a bit of a star.
“You’ve got to give that time. I bet it’s really frustrating for him as a bloke to arrive in London and go as long as he did without playing.”
Niclas Fullkrug back in West Ham contention
Fullkrug now appears to be back in the fold and has already scooped his first Hammers goal with that stoppage time response to Leicester’s midweek onslaught.
Lopetegui is under immense pressure following the dismal result, despite his side having dominated large parts of the game.
He is set to remain in charge to face his former side Wolves on Monday [9 December], in a game Jamie O’Hara dubbed “El Sackico” [5 December] live on talkSPORT against the similarly under-fire Gary O’Neil.
In other West Ham news, a decorated manager is contacted by the Hammers board.
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