Vladimir Coufal shares what Julen Lopetegui told him recently about West Ham
Julen Lopetegui has told Vladimir Coufal that he’s satisfied with him at West Ham United and has convinced him over more minutes this season.
The 32-year-old has found game time hard to come by under the Spanish manager, featuring in just one of the last seven Premier League fixtures.
Coufal is currently on international duty with Czechia, and speaking to CT Sport, the right-back has said that he’ll reevaluate his future with the Hammers if things don’t change.
“When I spoke with the coach, he told me that he is extremely satisfied with me, that he is convinced that I will get more minutes, more chances, and start playing. That I am a great professional,” he said.
“I cannot say a bad word against the coach or he against me, it’s just that we don’t get along on the pitch at the moment. If it’s going to continue like this, we have to sit down. What’s next? I definitely don’t want to sit on the bench. I still feel like that I can play in the Premier League.”
Vladimir Coufal will find it hard at West Ham United
Coufal has been a loyal servant at West Ham over the years, playing a big part under David Moyes as the Irons won the Conference League in 2023.
In the previous campaign, the 32-year-old was the Hammers’ first-choice right-back, but his influence under Lopetegui has diminished.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s arrival has meant that the Czech national has had to suffice for a place on the bench, with the former Manchester United star starting in the last nine league games.
The 26-year-old has been one of West Ham’s best players this season despite the Spanish manager struggling to get the best out of the team.
Lopetegui is under pressure at the moment, with the 0-0 draw against Everton not convincing fans about the suitability of the 58-year-old in the dugout.
With the emergence of Wan-Bissaka, it will be difficult for Coufal to get back into the team, and a move away at the end of the season can’t be ruled out.
In other West Ham news, Mohammed Kudus is open to leaving West Ham United this summer amid a Champions League claim.
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