This article is part of Football FanCast’s Pundit View series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent quotes from journalists, pundits, players and managers…
Speaking in his post-match press conference, West Ham manager Manuel Pellegrini has admitted he would have taken off every single one of his players at half-time if he had the chance.
What did he say?
The Hammers slipped to a 2-0 defeat to Everton on Saturday afternoon – a side that had lost their previous four Premier League games on the spin.
Over the course of the entire 90 minutes, West Ham managed just eight total shots on goal, 11 fewer than what the hosts fired off. After watching his team’s insipid performance, Pellegrini was brutally honest in his assessment of his side’s failings.
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He said (as quoted by Football.London): “If I could have changed all 11 then maybe I would have done that because in the first half we did not shoot once, Everton dominated, had six or seven corners, scored and hit the post.
“We improved a little but more in the second half, had chances to score but it is a game we need to be very clear in what we need to improve and be the team that we were a couple of weeks ago.”
Responsibility
Whilst the Chilean’s comments were no doubt intended to voice his displeasure about the lack of quality and fight shown by his players, it does raise a serious question about his own management skills.
Surely it’s in his job description to choose the right players for the game, and then to make sure that they are properly motivated to perform once they get out of the changing rooms? The Hammers displayed no fight or determination in their display: as per Sofascore, they lost possession 17 more times, won 15 less duels, and completed 13 less tackles. The home side simply wanted it more.
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After hearing Pellegrini’s admission, West Ham fans understandably showed their disdain on Twitter.
Perhaps the Hammers boss needs to look in the mirror, and take some responsibility for his side’s abject display on Merseyside.