Nuno Espirito Santo told to not play ‘screwball’ player after damaging West Ham
Nuno Espirito Santo shouldn’t play for West Ham United once he serves his one-match ban against Manchester United on Thursday.
Old Trafford will welcome Nuno’s team on 4 December as the Hammers look to get out of the relegation zone.
Paqueta was sent off against Liverpool at the London Stadium on 30 November after receiving back-to-back yellow cards for arguing with the referee in the Irons’ 2-0 defeat.
The Brazil international is arguably one of the best players at the East London outfit’s disposal, but he could now potentially be sidelined for longer by the Portuguese manager.
Lucas Paqueta lets West Ham United down with silly red card
It almost looked like Paqueta wanted to get sent off against Liverpool, considering the way he continued arguing with the referee, Alan Brazil says.
Meanwhile, Gabby Agbonlahor blasted the midfielder for an apparently daft decision as Nuno looks to avoid relegation at the London Stadium.
Jarrod Bowen and the 28-year-old will certainly be key to the Hammers’ survival, but it remains to be seen whether the Portuguese manager will want to make a statement in the coming games by dropping one of his key players.
Speaking on talkSPORT on 4 December, Agbonlahor said: “West Ham go back into the relegation zone. Man United away for them tonight. Paqueta getting sent off like an idiot.”
Brazil responded: “Clueless. When his ban is up, I personally, as a manager, would say, ‘You’re our best player, but I don’t care. I’ve got to show some authority. You’re a screwball, you’re not playing.’ He was pulled away twice, and he goes back for more. It was almost as if he wanted to be off.”
Nuno has revealed that Paqueta apologised to his teammates, with the Brazilian ace suffering after the incident against Liverpool.
Lucas Paqueta may have played his last game at the London Stadium
Paqueta has reached a verbal agreement with Flamengo, and could be on his way out of the East London outfit in January.
The Brazil international may have played his last game for West Ham if Nuno decides to exclude him from the squad before the market reopens.
In the summer, it looked like the midfielder would leave, but he ended up staying and has contributed immensely in the Hammers’ relegation battle.
Paqueta has shown his loyalty time and again at the London Stadium, and at this difficult moment, the fans should be behind him.
Enjoyed this article? Stay connected with all the latest news, updates, and behind-the-scenes content by following us on our new Instagram account – @westhamzone247