One of West Ham’s more consistent performers last season as Slaven Bilic’s men fought for a top four spot right until the end, Chekhou Kouyaté hasn’t quite been able to replicate his form so far.
The Hammers have really struggled during the beginning of the 2016-17 campaign, winning just one of their first seven games, finding themselves in the relegation zone with four points.
Still called up to the Senegal national team due to his importance in Aliou Cissé’s plans, the 26-year-old defensive midfielder explained being brought in to represent his country was a ‘breath of fresh air’.
Relayed by Senego, the midfielder explained he has struggled to get motivated due to his club’s form in the Premier League, and his national team manager helped him find that confidence again.
He said: “I’ll let you in on a secret: because it’s not going so well with West Ham, I had a two hour conversation with him (Cissé) about the situation.
“If you look at the Kouyaté of the national team and the one for West Ham, you can see it’s not the same thing. He finds the words needed to really motivate us and boost us. We can really thank him.”
Since the start of the season, the former Anderlecht defensive midfielder has made 10 appearances for the Hammers, scoring two goals, both in a Europa League qualifier against NK Domzale.
