Pellegrini’s pre-season verdict so far
Most were left underwhelmed by the Irons against Newcastle notably during the first 45 minutes when frankly the team looked all at sea.
These are always difficult games to assess and today’s display left the squad vulnerable to over-reaction across the forums although Jack Wilshere was recognised as a big success.
Pellegrini has always held him in high regard and there can be no question that should the midfielder continue as he has started he will become a key player in the Hammer set up this term.
It was good to see Winston Reid making a calm and composed return at the back and there is no question that Ben Johnson has been impressive throughout.
The Issa Diop injury caused some worry but we are told there is not too much to worry about and we now wait for the Fulham game to see whether he is included.
Pellegrini meanwhile seem relatively content with what he has seen so far declaring: “I think that we are working the preseason in a way that we planned for at the start
“We had ten days in Switzerland where we worked mostly in a physical way and in China we have played two friendly games to see what level we are at.
“We used these two games also to give minutes to the whole squad for I think that, for the moment, we are working well and we need to finish the next few weeks trying to be mentally and physically ready.”
West Ham however, managed just one goal, a Mark Noble penalty against Manchester City, and failed to muster a shot on target against Newcastle.
As a result the boss was asked if he internded bringing in another striker but responded: “In this moment, we have Sebastien Haller who just arrived at the club and we also have Javier Hernandez and Antonio, who are two players who can also play as a striker.
“Until the last day or the last hour of the transfer market, you can make changes but I think, in this moment, with those players we have good options.”