West Ham's Lucas Paqueta Vows to Fight Betting Charges Amid Support from New Manager Julen Lopetegui

Posted : 01 July 2024

Lucas Paqueta is "suffering a lot" after being charged by the Football Association over alleged betting breaches, according to newly appointed West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui. The 26-year-old midfielder, currently representing Brazil at the Copa America, faced charges in May for spot-fixing offenses in four Premier League matches. Paqueta, however, has pledged to "fight with every breath" against allegations that he deliberately attempted to get booked as part of a betting scam in fixtures against Leicester in November 2022, Aston Villa in March 2023, Leeds in May 2023, and Bournemouth in August 2023.

During his first press conference as West Ham manager, Lopetegui expressed empathy for Paqueta's situation, saying, "We know that he and his family are suffering a lot at this moment, but I like when I see him smiling in the last few months because he is enjoying football and playing very well." He emphasized the club's support for Paqueta, stating, "We are his family. He has family in Brazil, and in England, the club is his family. We are going to take care of him a lot and are looking forward to seeing him on the pitch for us."

Lopetegui, who has taken over from David Moyes, has signed a two-year contract with West Ham, with an option for a third season. The 57-year-old Spaniard, previously the manager of Real Madrid, had been out of work since leaving Wolves just before the start of the last Premier League season. One of his immediate tasks is to ensure key players like England international Jarrod Bowen and Ghana star Mohammed Kudus remain at the London Stadium, especially with Edson Alvarez having sustained an injury while on international duty with Mexico.

Discussing Alvarez's situation, Lopetegui said, "We are crossing our fingers because we suffered a big injury with Edson. He is an important player and we want them to smile and come back in the best condition because they are important players." West Ham, who finished ninth last season, will begin their new Premier League campaign against Aston Villa on August 17.

Reflecting on the challenges ahead, Lopetegui stated, "I think the Premier League is the best league in the world. It is stronger, very demanding, but in the same way, we love to be here. The environment the fans create is very special. You cannot compare it with other leagues because it is the best competition in the world."

West Ham's Lucas Paqueta Vows to Fight Betting Charges Amid Support from New Manager Julen Lopetegui

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