OPINION
The alarm bells must be ringing for West Ham manager Manuel Pellegrini after he hears Matt Le Tissier’s theory on why the Hammers have been in poor form as of late.
The Sky Sports pundit was asked what had caused the Hammers’ latest dip in form and he shared that it was difficulty for any footballer to play with the same intensity when there wasn’t much at stake.
Le Tissier pointed out that the Hammers had nothing to really play for as they’re weren’t fearing relegation and suggested that their season would just peter out as a result.
“Yeah it could do (whether it could turn into a disappointing season),” said Le Tissier on Soccer Saturday (13:42, Saturday April 6th, Sky Sports News).
“It’s difficult at this stage of the season, they’re sat in mid table, they’re in no danger of getting relegation and the teams in front of them are vying for the Europa League places.
“It is difficult to motivate yourself as a player when there’s not as much on a football match, you’re not going to get the same intensity.
“I’m not saying it drops loads and loads but there’s just that little bit of intensity has dropped…I mean there have been some shockers in there but there has been some good stuff and it’s all about trying to find that consistency.”
“But they’re not in any danger and the season will just peter out.”
Le Tissier’s theory for the Hammers’ recent form holds water as ever since the London club have got themselves safe in the Premier League and got a respectable amount of points on the board, their performances have since suffered.
While a lot will be said about the circus surrounding Marko Arnautovic being a distraction and behind the poor form, it makes more sense that the Hammers are suffering cause they’re facing teams who are more eager than them to rack up the points.
This may be an understandable reason, but it’s still unacceptable how several Hammers players are already mentality on their holidays.
With Le Tissier saying that it is difficult to be motivated as a player when nothing is at stake, Pellegrini must be worrying how he is going to get any positive result from his side before the season ends.
West Ham fans will be expecting their side to fight until the end and if the club’s current form continues, Pellegrini will be under pressure one way or another, even if it there’s not much he can do.
