West Ham forward Andre Ayew has said that the Hammers have the quality to do something good this season, but must remain calm is what is a very competitive league.
Ayew joined the Hammers last summer as a club record transfer, moving from Swansea City for just over £20 million, but had a difficult first season personally and as a squad.
The Ghana international spent most of the first half of the season injured, and although his terrific form in the latter half was a shining light for Slaven Bilic’s men, it could not rescue what turned out to be a disappointing campaign.
Having invested heavily over the summer months however, Ayew now feels the club can go on and have a good year. Speaking on whufc.com, the 27-year-old said: “I think we have the squad, the players and the quality to be able to do something good, but I think a lot of other teams also have great players and great squads, so we need to be calm and work hard.
“We know what we want and the gaffer [Slaven Bilic] has given his directions and we are following them. It’s only with time and games that you can start to feel what you can do.
“Last season, I wouldn’t say it was a bad season but we had a lot of ups and downs and we only finished one point away from eighth position. We need to work hard, stay calm and have the belief that we can do something great.”
West Ham open their new campaign with a visit to Manchester United on Sunday, and two further tough away days follow at Southampton and Newcastle. Having to wait until mid September for their first game at the London Stadium, Ayew believes a solid first three games can set up for a big occasion on September 11th when the Hammer welcome newly promoted Huddersfield Town.
“We shouldn’t really talk too much,” said the No20. “It’s difficult for us to start the season already with three away games so we need to see how we start the season and from there we can start to know where we are.
“The best way for us is to start well and if we get a good start I think we’re going to do a good season. That’s football. When you start well, it puts you in a positive mindset and gives you the confidence to believe you can do something.”
