Jarrod Bowen offers Julen Lopetegui verdict amid West Ham sack claims
Jarrod Bowen says it is down to the West Ham players to turn their Premier League form around this season.
Inconsistency is a theme that has characterised the Hammers campaign so far and skirting too close to the relegation zone at times has led to speculation surrounding Julen Lopetegui’s future.
The Irons have started to find some form and currently sit 14th in the league. However, if they struggle to form a consistent run of results, they could soon find themselves fighting at the wrong end of the table.
Speaking on talkSPORT [24 December, 11:24], Bowen said: “This league is relentless, it’s unforgiving and if you’re a per cent down from where you need to be you’ll get punished at this level and I think we’ve had games this season where we haven’t been at the level and I think we’ve been punished for it.
“It’s down to us, it’s the players that go out on the pitch and got to put everything out there, put performances in and win our football games.”
Julen Lopetegui needs to work with his West Ham squad to improve
Given it has been the manager who has had the brunt of the blame for the Hammers’ season so far this season, it’s nice to hear Bowen taking some responsibilities on the players’ behalf.
Even though the 28-year-old has been a standout star this term, the same cannot be said for many of his teammates who have failed to perform to the expected level so far despite having previously shown the ability to do so.
However, the Spaniard cannot get away without some of the blame either as it is he who sets up the team tactically and dictates the style of play which has been woeful at times and undoubtedly led to them losing games.
Therefore, it requires the boss to work closely with his players to create real change at The London Stadium on a long-term basis, ensuring everyone at the club is aligned in the direction the club is going in.
Bowen is a loyal West Ham boy so you can’t imagine he would be the type to come and throw his manager under the bus here. However, his acknowledgement that there are failings on both sides could provide the kick his teammates need this term.
In other West Ham news, a prediction on the future of Mohammed Kudus has been shared after what happened in the game against Brighton.
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