David Moyes appears to be getting his excuse in early after he had a moan up about West Ham’s fixture pile-up after just one game.
The manager appears to have an overt dig at the Premier League and broadcasters in his interview yesterday.
Speaking to reporters via video link the manager said: “I don’t think the evening kick-off puts us far out, the 5.30pm we have been used to as well but I think the scheduling, we have got to look at the scheduling.“From our point of view we are disappointed we have been given a game on Saturday and then Tuesday in our first week back. Spurs have got Friday night and Tuesday and at this stage, I can understand it if we both had cup games on Saturday but neither of us do.
“Tottenham don’t play for eight days so why could our game not be put on Wednesday or Thursday to make it fair or maybe the broadcasters need to take responsibility as well.”
The manager added: “I think any of the managers who were talking about it would say that Saturday to Tuesday, Saturday to Wednesday makes a massive difference. Or even Friday to Tuesday gives extra recovery. We have just asked these players to come back. I am fully aware that we have to fit the games in, I accept that, but what I find difficult is us and Tottenham don’t play for eight days so why are we being pushed into a game on a Tuesday night when we have played on Saturday?
“Wednesday would have been better, Thursday could have been done and even the weekend. I don’t think it is correct on West Ham’s behalf.”
Claret and Hugh say:
We are not sure what good these words will have to the football powers that be except to rub them up the wrong way, it is almost as if the manager is getting his excuses in early and has written off this game. Moyes said winning is what he does and it is all about mentality. Let’s hope the players put in a proper shift tonight and wear the badge with pride. West Ham supporters will not criticise Moyes and his team for trying and failing tonight if he goes for it but they will go for the Scotsman and the players if they put in another lacklustre performance like that can’t be bothered. We don’t need excuses! We need determination, grit and passion!
Just what we are all crying out for, more negativity & doom. Might have as well just said ‘It’s not fair, don’t blame me if we lose, it’s those horrible people at Sky’
Not sure it’s an excuse for a defeat but I make Moyes right. Neither us nor spurs play for another 8 or 9 days so why make us play tonight? Surely makes sence to space it out better but typical premier league thinking!!