David Moyes admits West Ham players feel ‘neglected’ with fixture build up
West Ham manager David Moyes has expressed his disapproval with the ‘busy schedule’ which has left his players ‘feeling neglected’.
Traditionally the festive period is jam packed with football in England. This might bring one or two moans from some but this year every club has struggled much more due to coronavirus.
The Hammers have played three times in the last six days with their postponed fixtures causing more potential fixture congestion later in the season.
Moyes said during the Crystal Palace v West Ham pre-match press conference: “What I would say is that I do think the amount of fixtures, especially if you’re a successful club, is really tough.
“We’ve always played Christmas fixtures in this country so we know exactly what we’re getting here.
“This Christmas period we’ve had three games, instead of the normal two around this period, and that’s added to a feeling of too many games, but I think it’s probably the clubs who have had European football feeling that their players are getting worked too hard.
“Our players have had a busy schedule, but we play games so we have to go along with it. I’m not in the Carabao Cup semi-finals, but I can’t understand why there are two legs. We’re in a period where players are feeling neglected because it’s much tougher.”
European burden
The substantial rise in West Ham’s quality since Moyes returned for his second spell has been revolutionary for the Hammers. Although, it does have the negative impact of tougher and more games to play.
Many were unsure how the Irons would fare having to play Europa League games every Thursday for as long as they remain in the competition which they have impressed in so far, reaching the round of 16.
If you take into account their EFL Cup quarterfinal run which Moyes will be slightly relieved they have been knocked out of before the double legged semi-final, as well as the FA Cup where West Ham host Leeds in the third round, the Hammers have a lot to compete with.
The Hammers players will be struggling to keep up physically and mentally as admitted by their talisman, Michail Antonio.
So far, they have done excellently adapting to their increased fixture list but there are concerns surrounding their form as we enter the new year.
All eyes turn to 2022 to see if the Irons can keep up this momentum with a mountain of fixtures on the horizon.
In other West Ham news, The Irons have been backed to finish above Man United by Nigel De Jong