West Ham manager Scott Parker’s comments following last night’s incredible comeback against Cardiff City were an absolute joy to listen to. Having watched the Hammers recover from three goals down to draw 3-3, I was already feeling considerably more optimistic about our prospects. But listening to Parker afterwards was almost as encouraging as the second-half performance itself.
In the modern game, much is made of tactics, and rightly so. But one thing I believe gets underplayed is not only man-management, but a head coach’s personality. And quite frankly, Parker has bundles of it.
I have to say, it’s a refreshing change from what we’ve seen in recent seasons. Nuno Espírito Santo was a softly spoken man, not prone to using a few words when considerably more would do, and the less said about Graham Potter as a leader and orator, the better at this point. But my word, it’s thrilling to hear Parker speak.
Scott Parker’s Words Were Music To My Ears
Speaking in his post-match interview with West Ham’s official website, Parker described the transformation in his team after the break:
“It was a forceful team, an aggressive team, a front-footed team, which was obviously a big improvement.”
I absolutely love those words.
Forceful. Aggressive. Front-footed.
That’s exactly what I want to hear from a West Ham manager, and more importantly, it’s exactly what I want to see from a West Ham team.
As Martins morning round-up demonstrated, the difference between the two halves was extraordinary.
We went from a team seemingly incapable of stringing together a meaningful attack to one that looked determined to take the game to the opposition.
And Parker clearly recognised the difference.
He was particularly critical of the backwards passing and the lack of purpose in possession during the opening 45 minutes.
Then came another observation that I found particularly encouraging:
“There’s no point in just building, building, building.”
Again, music to my ears and we saw that with the first two goals from Mukasa and Engels.
For far too long, we’ve watched West Ham move the ball around without appearing particularly interested in doing anything with it.
Parker wants players taking risks, making forward runs, delivering crosses and getting bodies into the penalty area.
That doesn’t guarantee success, of course, but it’s a pretty good place to start.
West Ham Finally Have A Manager Who Can Inspire
What really impressed me, though, wasn’t simply Parker’s analysis of the football.
It was the way he communicated.
It cannot be overstated quite how much good it does the fanbase to see a manager walking over to applaud the travelling supporters, becoming one with them, and then speaking so passionately about what he wants to achieve.
There were 3,200 West Ham fans at Cardiff, and after the dreadful opening 45 minutes, they deserved something to cheer.
And I’ll tell you this much: if Parker communicates with supporters like this, one can only imagine how effective he might be when speaking to his players.
Of course, being a good speaker doesn’t automatically make somebody a good manager.
But I’ve always believed that one of the most immediate improvements West Ham needed was motivation.
We have talented players. I’ve said that repeatedly. What we’ve lacked is somebody capable of getting them playing with urgency, belief and a bit of fire in their bellies.
Parker certainly sounds like somebody who understands that.
Parker Cannot Wait To Get Started
I was also absolutely delighted to hear him say how eager he was to get the players together and start asking questions.
He admitted that he couldn’t fully understand how the performance had changed so dramatically between the two halves.
And rather than simply celebrating the comeback, he was already thinking about what needed to improve before Saturday’s trip to Blackburn Rovers.
That enthusiasm is infectious.
It’s also worth remembering that Parker had only met the players at the airport that morning, having been confirmed as West Ham’s new head coach just hours before kick-off.
He has barely had an opportunity to work with them.
Judging his tactics, selections and long-term suitability can come later. There will be plenty of time for that.
But I’ve always thought there was one obvious and immediate improvement that could be made to this West Ham team, and that was getting the players motivated.
After listening to Parker, I have considerably fewer worries on that score.
I genuinely cannot wait for the next game.