Jeff Stelling Hints at Another Lopetegui Player Rift After Observations in West Ham vs. Wolves

Speaking on talkSPORT (10 December, 7:13 am), Jeff Stelling raised concerns about a potential rift between Julen Lopetegui and Lucas Paqueta due to their apparent lack of communication during West Ham United’s latest match.

Paqueta, brought on as a substitute in the 64th minute to replace Carlos Soler, was reportedly ignored by Lopetegui on the sidelines.

Stelling highlighted the situation, noting that the manager stood at the far end of the technical area and did not acknowledge Paqueta.

“Do you think there’s an issue between Julen Lopetegui and Lucas Paqueta at the moment?” Stelling asked his guest, Alvin Martin.

“Not only is he not starting, but when Lopetegui brought him on as a substitute last night, he didn’t acknowledge him at all—no pat on the back, no words of encouragement.

Yet, when other substitutions were made, Lopetegui spoke to those players. Why not Paqueta?”

If there is indeed tension between Lopetegui and Paqueta, it would add to the growing list of West Ham players at odds with the manager.

Mohammed Kudus has reportedly clashed with Lopetegui in the dressing room, leading to frustrations that boiled over during the match against Tottenham in October.

Kudus received a five-match ban for violent conduct in that game.

Similarly, on-loan defender Jean-Clair Todibo had a heated argument with Lopetegui at halftime during West Ham’s 5-2 home defeat to Arsenal.

Since then, the French center-back has not been included in the starting lineup.

Furthermore, recent reports suggest that new £27 million signing Niclas Fullkrug is also unhappy with Lopetegui’s management.

Kudus, Todibo, and Fullkrug are all reportedly considering their futures at the club if Lopetegui remains in charge.

While Paqueta’s poor form and impending FA betting charges may prevent him from joining the growing player unrest, Lopetegui’s strained relationships with key squad members are becoming increasingly problematic.

With more players losing faith in the manager, his position at the club appears to be under significant threat.