Glenn Hoddle disagrees as Joe Cole disappointed with West Ham announcement vs Brentford
Joe Cole was left disappointed by Nuno Espirito Santo’s decision to heavily rotate his West Ham United side for the clash with Brentford.
Nuno made seven changes for Monday’s FA Cup last-16 tie at the London Stadium, with a place against Leeds United in the next round on the line.
West Ham‘s priorities are clearly on the Premier League, with the Hammers involved in a tense relegation battle.
And while supporters would love a West Ham victory over Brentford, Nuno’s squad selection certainly does not help matters.
Joe Cole not happy as Nuno Espirito Santo makes seven changes
Crysencio Summerville has been superb for West Ham of late, but he was among those to drop out of the side on Monday evening.
In-form Mads Hermansen also made way, although Jarrod Bowen did retain his place in attack as he looks to find his feet again.
After being informed of the team news, Cole reacted disappointedly live on TNT Sports.
“I don’t [understand it], if I’m honest,” he said. “One of the things I hoped for was that [Nuno] would go full strength.
“I understand it from a business and financial point of view, but I’m a romantic around the FA Cup. You run the risk every time you play a player of him getting injured, but you’ve got to play them.
“Seven [changes] is really on the border. I’m disappointed; I’d have preferred momentum.”
Cole will certainly not be alone in being disappointed by the XI Nuno selected, but Glenn Hoddle certainly is not in that category.
What did Glenn Hoddle say about West Ham team news?
Hoddle, also working as a pundit on TNT Sports, was asked if he agreed with Cole’s sentiment.
“I slightly disagree,” he said. “Where West Ham are, you’ve got to prioritise the Premier League. If [Nuno] feels players need resting, do it tonight.”
While that is a fair point on the face of it – winning against Man City next weekend would arguably be bigger than advancing to the FA Cup quarter-finals – this was a real chance to advance.
If West Ham beat Brentford on home soil, which many would fancy them to do, then a tie against Leeds United awaits at the London Stadium.
Win that and supporters will have a trip to Wembley to look forward to in the semi-finals.
There is no reason why West Ham still cannot overcome Brentford, who themselves made just three changes, but it will have to be with a weakened team if they do so.
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