West Ham United forward Mohammed Kudus has called on his teammates to elevate their performances following a 1-1 draw against Aston Villa at Villa Park on Sunday.
The Hammers have faced challenges this season, culminating in the sacking of Julen Lopetegui after just 20 matches in charge.
With Graham Potter now at the helm, Kudus acknowledged the difficulties of adjusting to a new manager but urged his teammates to improve their game.
“It’s been difficult [changing managers],” the 24-year-old told Sky Sports.
“There’s a tactical element because every manager has their way of thinking. There’s a specific role manager A expects from you, and then manager B expects another way.
“The quickness of how fast you have to change that in your head and how quickly you have to adapt to a new way of playing, it’s difficult. But as professionals, that is our job.
“We can’t control who the club bring in as manager, but we can control our effort, our energy, and our passion.
“Whoever is the manager, that can change, but you can always run a lot, track back, push, and fight. That part of the game always stays the same regardless of who the manager is.”
He continued, “But the tactical part of the game and the way of playing, it has an impact. As a group of players, we have to change quickly and adapt to the way the new coach wants to play.”
Kudus also emphasized the importance of leadership across the squad: “We are all leaders on the pitch, irrespective of who has the captain’s armband,” he added. “We all have a role to play, even the guys who are on the bench.
“It’s about supporting your teammates and getting them up and ready for the game because, in some games, it has been the bench that has changed the game.
“It’s about the whole squad. It’s about taking responsibility, doing your job, and making sure the guy next to you is doing his. We need everyone because we all have an important role to play,” he added.
Next up, West Ham will face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the Premier League on Monday.