West Ham plan to offer Lucas Paquetá access to psychological support in response to the midfielder’s red card for dissent against Liverpool on Sunday.
Although Paquetá’s behaviour has not gone down well with several figures at the London Stadium, there is also concern that the Brazil international is struggling to cope with the strain of being left in limbo for two years during a Football Association investigation into spot-fixing allegations. The prospect of a lifetime ban hung over the 28-year-old, who was cleared of the Football Association charges in July, and the incident against Liverpool has left West Ham looking for ways to improve the player’s frame of mind.
West Ham do not view Paquetá’s anger with the authorities as an excuse for him collecting two yellow cards, both for dissent, within seconds of one another during the 2-0 defeat against the Premier League champions. There has been internal criticism of Paquetá, whose dismissal came with Liverpool only leading 1-0. It is felt at West Ham that he let down his teammates.
However the club, who stood by Paquetá while he was under investigation by the FA, feel the situation is nuanced. One figure said Paquetá has been left “bitter and let down” by the investigation, argued that the pressure got to him and added that the former Lyon midfielder would find it easier to move on from the ordeal if he is provided with psychological support. West Ham, only out of the bottom three on goal difference, will discuss this week how to help the Brazilian regain his focus on the pitch.
Paquetá, who came close to being sent off for dissent when West Ham lost against Leeds in October, has made no secret of his unhappiness. The South American, who will be suspended when Nuno Espírito Santo’s struggling side visit Manchester United on Thursday, posted on social media after the Liverpool game to hit out at football’s authorities for failing to provide him with psychological support. The FA has been approached for comment.
Writing in Portuguese, Paquetá said: “I understand that now I have to come across as the villain; it’s hard to live with everything that’s been caused in my life and in my psyche! I’ll keep trying to ensure they don’t affect me even more. This doesn’t justify my expulsion, and for that I apologise to the fans and my teammates!”
This was followed by a reply to a post from the Sky Sports Premier League account, which featured a clip where Robert Green, the former West Ham goalkeeper on punditry duty for the broadcaster, referring to his red card as “ridiculous behaviour”. This time writing in English, Paquetá posted: “It’s ridiculous to have your life and career affected for two years without any psychological support from the federation. Perhaps this ridiculous behaviour is just a reflection of everything I’ve had to endure and, it seems, have to continue enduring! I’m sorry if I’m not perfect.”
West Ham have taken note of the posts and are not underestimating their significance. At this stage there is little indication of them looking to discipline Paquetá for his red card. There is, however, a point when their sympathy will run out. They are in a relegation battle and are looking to Paquetá, who is one of their most influential players, to lead them to safety. However the playmaker’s form remains inconsistent and there are some who feel that West Ham should look to raise funds for new signings by selling him in January.
after newsletter promotion
The question for Nuno to consider is whether the odd flash of inspiration and creativity is enough from the club’s record signing. Paquetá has four goals in all competitions this season and has not provided an assist since March 2024. His disciplinary record is also a concern; he has already served a one-match ban for accumulating five bookings this season.
Another worry for West Ham is why Paquetá’s teammates did not do more to prevent him from confronting the referee Darren England over his decision to award a free-kick for a foul by Niclas Füllkrug. It has not gone unnoticed that the Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker made the biggest effort to drag Paquetá away.
