West Ham United forward Mohammed Kudus has urged his teammates to raise their performance levels after the team was held to a 1-1 draw against Aston Villa on Sunday at Villa Park.
The Hammers have faced challenges this season, culminating in the dismissal of Julen Lopetegui after just 20 games in charge.
With Graham Potter now at the helm, Kudus acknowledged the difficulty of adapting to a new manager but stressed the importance of stepping up on the pitch.
“It’s always tough when there’s a change in management,” the 24-year-old told SkySports. “Every coach has their own approach. Manager A expects something specific from you, and manager B asks for something different. It’s challenging to adjust quickly to a new tactical style, but as professionals, that’s our responsibility.”
Kudus emphasized that while they can’t control who the club hires, they can control their commitment, energy, and attitude. “Whoever the manager is, things may change, but our effort and drive should always remain the same. We can always run, trackback, push, and fight.”
He added, “The tactical aspects and style of play will shift, and we must adapt to the new coach’s philosophy. As players, it’s crucial that we change quickly and align with the new system.”
Kudus also stressed the collective responsibility of the squad: “We are all leaders on the pitch, regardless of who wears the captain’s armband. Everyone has a role to play, even those on the bench. It’s about supporting each other, staying ready, and understanding that sometimes the bench can make a difference.”
The forward concluded, “The entire squad must take responsibility, do their job, and ensure their teammates are doing theirs. Every player is vital to the team’s success.”
West Ham will face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League next Monday.
