West Ham news: Opinion – Nedum Onuoha on Niclas Fullkrug’s comments

In some ways, Graham Potter’s start at West Ham has gone under the radar because the bottom three have been as bad as they are and we have the storyline of Wolves becoming one of the form sides in the division.

It is not necessarily a wasted season, but it is a hugely disappointing one for the supporters. With the players that signed, there would have been a belief this team could be half decent again.

They won the Conference League and were pushing for Champions League spots. When Declan Rice was there, he talked about their disappointment of not qualifying.

Now though, the fans want the season to end and they want Potter to do something in the summer, whether that is bringing in players or really coaching them up to a better standard. They need next season to be more exciting and to have something to believe in.

Niclas Fullkrug caused a stir with his post-match comments after the drab draw with Southampton but I do not mind that as long as that is who he is generally.

He was speaking as if the manager believed in what he was saying as well. The comments are likely the consequence of the manager saying similar to the players, which is why Fullkrug felt the right to be able to say that in front of the cameras.

I do not mind someone delivering passion. I do not think there would be many in that squad who would argue what he is saying is essentially wrong.

The mentality of players can be very different in key moments and as a consequence, if you’re not united, it can be quite disappointing.

It was off the back of an unacceptable result so there is lots of emotion tied in.

After they scored one, they would be anticipating scoring more so I get it. He probably said it in the dressing room already. There are some players who come in and, even if they have not been there for a long time, because they have leadership qualities, when they speak, people listen.

It is just about the balance and, if what he is saying is true, you can try and push back against it, but he’s going to explain why he thinks you are wrong.

I do not think it will cause any more friction in the squad because there is going to be disappointment and disagreements already. After the game, there will have been shouting and arguments – then things calm down and people select what they say to the broadcasters.

Fullkrug’s comments will not be anything new. I am sure from the way he is outspoken in front of a camera, he is also very outspoken on the pitch and in the dressing room.

What he said to the media will just be the tip of the iceberg.

Nedum Onuoha was speaking to BBC Sport’s Nat Hayward