David Moyes pulled out his tried and tested carrot and stick routine for West Ham duo Lucas Paqueta and Mohammed Kudus ahead of Leverkusen.
After West Ham’s win at Wolves David Moyes spotted his opportunity.
West Ham had won the game 2-1 but, perhaps for the first time this season, it was thanks to his substitutes.
It came just a few days after Moyes refused to make a single substitution in the 1-1 draw with Spurs.
The Scot made it clear he effectively did not feel any players on his bench could come on and make a difference.
Whether by design or not, his words seemed to get a reaction at Wolves as Michail Antonio, Aaron Cresswell and Ben Johnson came on to change the game in West Ham’s favour.
The manager then fired his warning, one we haven’t heard at West Ham since he returned in 2020, ‘if you don’t play well, you won’t play’.
Moyes uses carrot and stick with star duo
“If the players in the team think they’re there and that’s them then well – they’re not,” Moyes said.
Back in 2020 it was a more simplistic message – ‘if you don’t run, you won’t play’.
It came just a week after Moyes had named a list of Hammers stars he is demanding show more leadership in the wake of the 4-3 collapse at Newcastle.
Not mentioned directly in either shot across the bows, two player seemingly above scrutiny from the manager have been star duo Lucas Paqueta and Mohammed Kudus.
But ahead of West Ham’s biggest game of the season at Bayer Leverkusen, Moyes has given West Ham duo Paqueta and Kudus the carrot and stick treatment.
Certain players know this particular tried and tested Moyes tactic well. Just ask Said Benrahma.
‘We have to get Paqueta at his best’
Moyes very rarely publicly criticises or questions his players. But on occasion he uses his unparalleled experience to do just that when he thinks a reaction is needed.
The manager spoke about West Ham’s two star names ahead of the daunting task of taking on Xabi Alonso’s invincibles.
And while there was plenty of praise, Moyes has made it clear he wants more and better from both.
“Lucas Paqueta is hugely important to us,” Moyes told the club’s official website.
“He’s been an important part of the side, he’s a well-established Brazilian international and he can bring attributes to the games which are really important to us.
“You pull your hair out at times, but overall he’s a pleasure to have and a pleasure to work with. He’s got some individual ability which you don’t see often, but when you do you recognise it greatly and I think most people recognise that he’s got some great talent.
“We have to get him at his best, because at his best it gives us a greater chance.”
Kudus can earn even more kudos
With the younger Kudus, Moyes was a touch more careful with his words, but the message was the same.
“Mohammed Kudus is not just important for this tie tomorrow, but he’s been important for us all season,” he added.
“He will be important for us going forward in the future as well. He’s a young boy who has only just come into the Premier League and he’s settled in incredibly well.
“It’s not easy to start well in the Premier League, and a lot of the players who come from overseas find it quite difficult, but I think Mo, though, because of the experience he’s had – in Denmark, the Netherlands and now the Premier League – it has given him a better coverage of different leagues.
“We’re really enjoying the way he is playing for West Ham, I think he has a lot of development to come in the future and he’s settling in nicely here.”
Let’s hope Moyes’ strategic carrot and stick approach sparks the best performances of the season from both.
Because if ever there was a game in which West Ham need it, it’s against Leverkusen.
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