Pellegrini hammers in point of concentration
West Ham United’s free fall in the Premier League standings in the past few weeks is proof that teams cannot afford to be inconsistent and take their foot off the gas in a highly competitive league, manager Manuel Pellegrini has said.
West Ham were fifth in the standings last month after six games, which ignited debate over whether Pellegrini’s side could qualify for European competition next season if they finished in the top six.
However, one point from their last three games saw the London side slide to 11th and Pellegrini said a lack of concentration in the league could easily kill a team’s momentum.
“It’s tough for every game. Maybe [if we had beaten] Crystal Palace here at home... we would have been sixth or seventh in the table, but maybe after one game you can be four or five positions back,” Pellegrini said. “Every game you must play as if you’re playing against the best team.
“It’s why I don’t only talk about West Ham, there are big teams who, for whatever reason, cannot be consistent.
“You have 20 teams who all have money to get good players. That’s why it’s so important to play 100 per cent concentrated, because if not, it’s very difficult to win the game.”
West Ham host promoted Sheffield United on Saturday and Pellegrini praised his counterpart Chris Wilder, whose side have been unbeaten in four away games this season. “They’re a consistent team,” the Chilean manager said.
“Having come from the Championship... they’ve a difficult style – direct football, which we can prepare for.
“I think that Sheffield United reflect his [Wilder’s] mentality. It’s absolutely English football – strong players who work a lot over 90 minutes. They work to win the first and the second ball.”
Meanwhile, Christian Pulisic has staked a claim for a starting spot at Chelsea after the winger came off the bench to lay on the winning goal of a hugely impressive Champions League triumph at Ajax.
Chelsea’s academy graduates have stolen the headlines as a youthful side has rattled off six
wins in a row to move into the Premier League top four and draw level with Ajax at the top of Group H.
Pulisic came off the bench to provide the perfect assist for fellow substitute Michy Batshuayi to squeeze home a dramatic winner with four minutes remaining.
“You rely on them coming on and being positive and they both did. It’s great for squads when subs come on and make differences like that, it’s great for everyone,” Lampard said.
Chelsea travel to Burnley for their league clash on Saturday.