Manuel Pellegrini believes the players are thoroughly enjoying playing the attacking game he has brought to West Ham United.
And he believes the team is getting better telling reporters at the pre-Fulham presser:: “The results say we are improving and we are scoring goals, which is not easy, especially, in this league and this season, to win three games in a row and score three goals in each game.
But we must be very careful about that because things change in football and two or three balls can quickly change the result, so we must continue working in the same way we are doing now.
In our worst moment, I always say the same. We are improving and we are in the correct way and now we must keep these good results going.
It was my mentality to try to bring an attacking approach to this club – you must try to score as many goals as you can in each game and not, because you scored one, go only in your box and try to defend.
I think the players are enjoying the way we are playing. I repeat, we must continue to be a very balanced team in both defending and attacking because all together, the more mistakes you make, the more goals you concede and the more chances you miss, the less goals you score and you are not going to win the games.
I think, overall, we are improving.”
ClaretandHugh says: Good words from the boss but he could have added, when discussing that the players are enjoying the way he is playing that, that the same applies to the fans who are witnessing a rebirth of old principles at this club. What we are seeing is an approach which we once called ‘the West Ham Way’ and which the likes of Alex Ferguson and Sam Allardyce, big buddies by the way, claimed not to recognise or understand. Odd really because it is simply attractive football played to feet at pace. Ah, wait, perhaps BFS wouldn’t get that! However, having got it right at the front is one thing but it would be reassuring to see a little more solidity at the back but on what we have seen during the first 16 games of the season suggests the level of improvement will find its way into that area as well although we may have to wait until the summer.
Pelligrini being just a tad self praising… although he can be . Three back to back wins with a bit of luck thrown in does not a great team make . And as Hugh rightly says we are vulnerable at the back . Imo we need to strengthen in the defensive area more than anywhere . ( also defensive midfield ) Still too many late goals being conceded . If we can get good results over Fulham & Watford then yes , some self praise would be warranted .
But not too loudly . The players deserve every credit for Thier commitment and attitude .
COYHAMMERS
Fulham will be a good test, they are in transition at the minute so in theory should be a good time to meet them but as Pelle says two or three balls into the right place and all bets are off, there are no easy games in the PL.
Here’s hoping we don’t forget how to play and let ourselves down , West Ham fan No 32 .
We shall be eager to register a fourth straight win but Fulham will be just as eager not to concede another sack load of goals . If we manage the lions share of pocession and play a high pressing game we could get caught on the counter and that is where our defense has been found wanting . Anyway that’s by the by ; another three goals would be amazing and we look odds on to do it .
COYHAMMERS