Graham Potter Explains Why Lucas Paqueta Burst Into Tears in West Ham 1-1 Spurs
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West Ham United’s winless run continued as they were held to a 1-1 draw by London rivals Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday afternoon. West Ham went into the match at the London Stadium looking to win their first game since February.
The Hammers did not get the start they wanted as Wilson Odobert gave the visitors the lead after the opening 15 minutes. They battled back well, though, and restored parity just before the half-hour mark as their talisman and captain, Jarrod Bowen, found the net. That proved to be the final goal of the game as the two sides settled for a 1-1 draw and West Ham’s winless run extended to eight matches.
Graham Potter Explains Why Lucas Paqueta Burst Into Tears
He had to be consoled by Jarrod Bowen and referee Michael Oliver
There was an odd moment with just over 15 minutes as West Ham midfielder Lucas Paqueta burst into tears. The Brazilian’s emotions overcame him after he tripped Tottenham’s Mikey Moore and was shown a yellow card. Jarrod Bowen and referee Michael Oliver had to console Paqueta before he composed himself and carried on playing.
West Ham manager Graham Potter was asked about the odd incident after the match and he attempted to explain Paqueta’s emotional outburst. After confirming he had not yet spoken to the Brazilian midfielder, Potter said, per the Standard:
“I think he’s just a player that’s trying his absolute best and wants the situation to be better and probably got a bit frustrated with the action.
“And then you see a human being, not perfect, but I love Lucas. He’s given everything and in difficult circumstances, he’s in as well. He’s given everything and he’s absolutely fine now.”
She has defended her husband
Paqueta’s wife, Duda Fournier, also posted on social media following her husband’s tears. She said, per the Sun: “I’ve never said anything here, and maybe I shouldn’t have!
“My husband has a posture and strength that I admire and that IMPRESSES me! We’ve been living this nightmare for two years and he’s ALWAYS strong… he’s always had it in his head that he would only defend himself at the right time and place!
“There’s NOTHING against him. Have you never noticed that? Anyway, God knows everything, and only HE knows why we’re going through this! And only because of HIM are we well and living happily as a family! I just wish people would respect him… People are mean and unfair, without knowing ANYTHING!”
West Ham and Paqueta will be back on action on Sunday May 11 when they travel to Old Trafford to take on Manchester United. Paqueta could depart the club this summer, with the Hammers said to be considering letting him leave should they receive ‘concrete offers’.
