Tomas Soucek has spoken out on social media after criticism from West Ham fans sparked a furious response from his close friend and former teammate Vladimir Coufal.
The Czech midfielder has now addressed the situation head-on, revealing how he feels about the backlash and West Ham’s dire situation.
Tomas Soucek has taken so many blows in the line of duty for West Ham United since he arrived nearly six years ago.
The latest came at Leeds on Friday night as Soucek was once again left bloodied and dazed as he had to be stitched up.
But it has been the blows he has been dealt by some Hammers fans that have hurt Soucek so much more in recent years.
Soucek speaks out after West Ham fans sparked angry Coufal outburst
Only Jarrod Bowen has been a better and more consistent performer for West Ham than Soucek since they both arrived in east London in January 2020.
But it seems Soucek is often the go-to scapegoat for West Ham’s supporters during hard times.
Soucek has faced increasing levels of criticism over the last few years with many fans questioning his place in the team.
That’s despite the fact he has barely missed a game for the Irons since signing from Slavia Prague for a bargain £15.5m in January 2020.
Never mind that he weighed in with another nine goals last season as well as stopping goodness knows how many more.
Soucek was subbed off in the 2-1 defeat to Leeds, in which he uncharacteristically missed a golden headed chance.
Criticism flowed on social media after the game with one prominent Hammers fan account saying Soucek has reached the end of the road at West Ham.
That prompted a passionate defence of Soucek from former West Ham favourite Vladimir Coufal, who was released in the summer.
Coufal holds mirror up to West Ham fans over Soucek
Vladimir Coufal, now shining at Hoffenheim, is Soucek’s best friend and is very much missed by Hammers supporters.
Judging by the lack of leadership and standards at the club this season, it seems Coufal is also missed in the dressing room too.
Coufal said the fan criticising Soucek should have his internet access taken away.
He also questioned whether West Ham fans really do appreciate players who give everything – as they always claim to.
Now Soucek has spoken out on social media after West Ham fans sparked the angry Coufal outburst.
Amid the doom and gloom that greeted West Ham’s latest defeat, it went unnoticed that Soucek played his 200th Premier League match for the club.
The big Czech took to social media to mark the moment and address how fans are feeling about him and the team.
Soucek says he appreciates the special bond he has with Hammers fans. He has also vowed to work harder than ever before to drag the club out of their current mess.
And his brilliant post perfectly sums up what a brilliant character and true West Ham legend Soucek is, putting his feelings to one side to make supporters the priority.
Scapegoat Soucek still puts Hammers fans first despite criticism
“(Leeds) was my 200th Premier League match,” Soucek said on X.
“I’m incredibly grateful for my journey with West Ham. Full of amazing moments, but also some disappointments.
“Thank you all so much for your support, especially to the fans, whom I truly appreciate and share a special bond with.
“I’m really sorry about our current situation. West Ham doesn’t belong where we are right now.
“I’ll do everything I can to help turn things around and get West Ham United back where it belongs!!”
What a special guy.
Soucek deserves nothing but respect from Hammers fans.
He is among the last who should be criticised and if anyone is going to help pull the team out of the mire, it will be him.
