I have never believed managers when they talk of not being worried by other teams around them when involved in a relegation struggle.
Frankly, it makes no sense but like much else in this game is the kind of cliche fans are expected to accept despite being clearly concerned about different games which can affect their team themselves.
So it’s refreshing to hear Declan Rice confirm that players and managers are just as concerned as everybody else inside the club.
Thankfully. our worries of the drop are behind us but they remain well remembered in ths dressing room notably by captain Declan Rice who is honest as the day is long about things.
And in an interview with the official West Ham site he makes it clear the relegation battle aged him about ten year such was the stress involved.
Speaking entirely frankly about the anxieties and concerns he felt Dec declared: “I’ve aged about ten years, honestly! It’s been so stressful. Just because staying in the Premier League is the most important thing.
You’re just constantly always worry about other teams around you. If another team picks up a result, we’d come in here and talk about it over breakfast.
If we didn’t pick up a win and other teams were starting to push above us, it was horrible at times, but I think we picked up form at the right time, got massive points from big games and obviously, I think Manchester United at home was the one that we set our sights on and we managed to deliver a big three points.
