JULEN LOPETEGUI was involved in a furious clash with Jean-Clair Todibo during Saturday’s defeat to Arsenal.
The under-fire Hammers boss, whose job is hanging by a thread, watched his side concede five first-half goals to the Gunners at the London Stadium.
Summer signing Todibo, 24, vented his frustrations in the home changing room at half-time, leading to a heated row with his manager.
With no senior centre-backs on the bench, Todibo stayed on and played the full 90 minutes of the 5-2 loss – with West Ham managing not to concede in the second half.
Todibo was absent from Tuesday night’s defeat to Leicester City, though that was due to a persistent groin problem sustained against Newcastle rather than any disciplinary action.
It is the second time this season Lopetegui has been involved in an argument with one of his players, having fallen out with Mohammed Kudus at Brentford after hauling him off at the break.
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Todibo arrived on loan from Nice in the summer with a view to a £35million deal next summer.
Falling out with key men such as the defender and Kudus will only weaken Lopetegui’s position, already under huge scrutiny following Monday night’s 3-1 defeat at Leicester.
Many within the club feel players are not being given clear instructions on how they should be playing – with a high line costing the Hammers dear at the King Power.
West Ham’s board are holding discussions on Wednesday to determine Lopetegui’s fate, with a significant majority pushing for a change to be made.
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Graham Potter, Edin Terzic and Sergio Conceicao are all under consideration.
The East Londoners are currently 14th, six points clear of the drop, but have made no clear progress since David Moyes was replaced in the summer and almost £130million was spent on new players.
Frustrated fans turned on Lopetegui at the King Power Stadium, chanting “you’re getting sacked in the morning” at the former Wolves manager.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
