Marko’s daft move
HUGHES DIG AT EX-STAR
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MARK HUGHES claims Marko Arnautovic was daft to quit Stoke for a “sideways” move to West Ham.
The Hammers’ record signing is back in the Potteries today for the first time since his £24m summer switch to London.
But Hughes still believes the 28-year-old Austria winger made a mistake by leaving a club that knew how to handle his volatile temperament.
“People have looked at Marko for many seasons – he’s been in the Premier League now for a long time,” said Hughes.
“Everybody has seen him and come up against him. He hoped he’d be going to the next level but that wasn’t the case.
“That’s why we argued, ‘Why are you going sideways when we would encourage you to go higher if that’s what you want to do?’”
Arnautovic made a nightmare start to his Hammers career. He was sent off for an elbow in his second game and was criticised for his early performances.
But he scored the winner against Chelsea last weekend and Hughes believes his form has improved under new boss David Moyes.
Start
“I didn’t have a problem with Marko,” said Hughes. “I thought moving was the wrong decision for him because I know what he needs to be successful.
“He needs people supporting him. It will be interesting to see how he fares but it looks like he’s back on track.
“He’s got a little bit of form because it looks as if he’s been given a bit of trust and he sees it as a fresh start at West Ham. He’ll back his ability.
“He likes the attention and to feel people are with him. That’s why he prospered here.”
Arnautovic will get a hostile reception after using a transfer request to force his exit, with Stoke netting a £22m profit.
Hughes said: “He got to a point where it was best for him to move.
“When people have set their stalls out, sometimes it’s better just to let it happen and get the best price you can. That’s what we did.”