The reason why Lopetegui didn't start new signings in beginning of the season

Jean-Clair Todibo's arrival to West Ham on an initial loan move was viewed as an encouraging step by the Hammers towards bolstering their defense. Thus, a large section of West Ham fans were surprised when manager Julen Lopetegui didn't start the 24-year-old in the first six league fixtures. 

The reason why Lopetegui didn't start new signings in beginning of the season

There were a lot of rumors surrounding Todibo suggesting that the France international is taking some time to adapt to the physicality of the English top flight. Moreover, injury issues were also speculated as a reason why the former UEFA Europa League winner preferred Konstantinos Mavropanos as the second center-back over Todibo alongside Max Kilman in the defense. 

Now, Todibo has opened up about his start at West Ham and revealed that he is still gradually improving his match fitness, saying,

"At the beginning of the season, my mindset was to get as fit as quickly as possible and try to be at 100 percent.
I’ve been working very hard to get myself up to speed, and if I’m honest, I’m not even 80 percent as of yet."

- Jean-Clair Todibo

Todibo highlighted that he is very close to gradually achieving full match fitness to return to the starting lineup in the upcoming matches. Against Ipswich Town, Todibo displayed his huge potential in front of the Hammers fans by forming a rock-solid center-back partnership alongside Kilman to deny the visitors from taking the lead in the first half. 

Todibo made a number of clearances and perfect tackles to keep away Ipswich Town from scoring more goals, which later built the foundation for West Ham's huge 4-1 win. Later this month, West Ham has to play two consecutive important matches against Newcastle United and Arsenal, and the Hammers will rely on Todibo to again help Julen Lopetegui's side maintain their defensive solidity and take some important points from these two league fixtures.