West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui has praised the “strong mentality” of his squad as his side prepare to host Premier League leaders Liverpool on Sunday.
The Hammers will take on the Premier League without suspended duo Tomas Soucek and Guido Rodriguez.
Goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski, centre-back Max Kilman and midfielder Carlos Soler went off injured at Southampton on Thursday, but Lopetegui’s side were still able to fashion a 1-0 victory.
“The thing I highlight is the strong mentality,” said the former Wolves boss. “If we were not with a strong mentality, a competitive mentality in this kind of match, we would lose the match, I am sure.
“So that is why to highlight the mentality of the team. We started very well but didn’t score in two very clear actions. After that, they had chances too and we had a lot of problems.
“We had the injury to Lukasz, to Max, to Carlos and we had two yellow cards that mean they are not allowed to play in the next match. A lot of things happened that highlighted we have kept a good and strong mentality.
“The players on the bench showed they were ready, which is good news because you don’t know what is going to happen, so you have to be ready to be competitive.”
Full commentary of West Ham v Liverpool from 17:15 GMT on Sunday on BBC Radio 5 Live
