Julen Lopetegui Set to Omit Michail Antonio from West Ham United Starting Lineup
According to Roshane Thomas of The Athletic, West Ham United manager Julen Lopetegui is considering removing Michail Antonio from the starting lineup due to his ineffective start to the season. Despite being a crucial player for the team in recent years, Antonio’s scoring rate has been declining, and Lopetegui may opt for alternative options.
Antonio, 34, has started all four Premier League fixtures this season but has yet to score under Lopetegui. Meanwhile, Danny Ings came off the bench to score a late equalizer against Fulham, and Niclas Fullkrug, who was signed from Borussia Dortmund for £25 million, is awaiting his opportunity to lead the line.
Thomas suggests that Antonio’s importance to West Ham cannot be understated, but with the arrival of new signings, it may be time for a change. Antonio’s age and declining scoring rate make him a less desirable option, and Lopetegui may turn to Ings or Fullkrug to spearhead the attack.
“The truth is, you don’t buy players to sit on the bench, you buy them to make an impact,” Lopetegui stated in a recent press conference. “We need to find the right balance and make decisions that benefit the team. No player is untouchable.”
The decision to omit Antonio from the starting lineup would be a significant one, as he has been a mainstay of the team under previous manager David Moyes. However, Lopetegui’s reluctance to rely on new recruits has drawn comparisons to Moyes’ tenure, and the manager may need to adapt his approach to get the best out of his squad.
Lopetegui’s team selection has been a topic of discussion among fans and pundits alike, with some questioning his decision to stick with Antonio and other Moyes-era players. However, the manager has shown a willingness to adapt, and his substitution of Antonio for Ings against Fulham paid dividends.
As West Ham prepares to face Chelsea next week, Lopetegui will need to make tough decisions about his starting lineup. With Antonio’s form a concern, Ings and Fullkrug may be given the opportunity to stake their claim as the team’s primary strikers. One thing is certain – Lopetegui must find a way to get his team scoring if they are to climb the Premier League table.
In addition to Antonio’s form, West Ham’s defensive struggles have been a major concern. The team has conceded goals in each of their four Premier League fixtures, and Lopetegui will need to address this issue if they are to achieve their goals this season. With a talented squad at his disposal, the manager will be expected to turn things around quickly.