Declan Rice has dropped a heavy hint that the pace of such a crowded fixture list could start to tell on a West Ham squad currently involved in a bear non stop run of games so far this term.
And although several of our players are away on international duty the fortnight should be nothing like as hectic as it has been at club level.
The Thursday/Sunday routine into which we are currently locked into has been strongly defended by David Moyes as manageable but it seems clear that the captain is finding life tougher than he has known previously.
Coping with the schedule is another challenge Dec will probably sort as he has done all the others through his young career.
But as things stand he and the squad will probably be pleased to get more rest time on international duty than has been the case during the season so far.
He said in quotes per Hammers News: “Really, playing every game, it’s tough. You need to recover and look after your body, but they’re 90-minute football matches and you can get through them – it’s just about how you recover.
“We’re adapting to it. For me, it’s my first time doing it, and you realise how important it is to look after your body with all the games.
You’re playing Thursday and Sunday, and you’re training and recovering and playing again – it’s non-stop.”
I was at the match yesterday , I’m not moaning as overall we are doing well . However we looked jaded and off the pace , not only did Rice look leggy most of the team were . We were not first to any 50/50 balls didn’t have the usual energy . Started so slow I had that feeling about the game . We need to help these players recover quickly and use the squad as much as possible . Kral could of come in for Soucek who was way below his normal brilliance, Vlasic for Benrhama etc . The game needed subs we were tired . I’m sure the lads and Moyes will sort it out I still think we can make top 6 and need cover for Antonio , he can’t play that many games . Anyway come on lads onwards and upwards . COYI ⚒