There’s one very good reason to believe the Hammers can finish in the top six or seven (at worst) this season and once again it comes down to manager Manuel Pellegrini.
It was mentioned to me a couple of days ago that the Hammers boss had never finished in lower than sixth position at any club he has managed with the immortal words “I think” added as a significant afterthought.
That meant a search through all the available data on Wiki and after a couple of checks although I’m ready to be corrected, that certainly appears to be the case.
He has managed in Spain, UK, China and Argentina and apart from 2010 when he took over at Malaga and finished 11th, he has indeed always held top six positions in the 30 years.
That’s a pretty extraordinary record and probably explains why son after his arrival he said firmly: “I will not fail at West Ham United.”
Fortune really would have to be hiding for him to fail wouldn’t it!
I like his philosophy and think the players are also starting to like and believe in it . This tram just need to give 110% in every game as no game is easy in the prem I hope they have learnt this . It’s nice to have that winning feeling again. I think we can keep winning with a never give up attitude we are West Ham . I think the lads can do it and another win Saturday will give us more belief . Come on lads get us that win by fighting for it . COYI ⚒
I like the fact that he’s building a strong spine to the team – Fabianski, Diop and Balbuena, Rice in front of them, with Arnie up top. The missing link is the extra creativity in behind Arnie. If we hold on to those 5 and keep them fit, then with Lanzini back for next season at the latest, the future’s looking brighter.
And they all seem to want to play for the fans and for Pellegrini (as well as for themselves, of course). Shame about Oxford …. I would think Pellegrini would be as good as any manager to put the belief back into him and get the talent out, but only if the player’s got the right attitude. Oxford should take a look at Noble or Snodgrass. Or Zaba. Or Rice. Or Diop. Or Balbuena. Or Fabianski. COYI.