David Moyes gives West Ham United players two-day break despite 5-0 loss v Fulham
David Moyes has made the decision to hand his West Ham United players two days off following their 5-0 loss at Fulham on Sunday, according to Jack Rosser.
The Sun journalist, taking to his personal X account (11 December) shared that the Hammers boss wants players to stay away from the training ground to stop the spread of a sickness bug reported by David Ornstein on Monday.
Moyes was among those struck down as West Ham were hit with a sickness bug ahead of their heavy loss in West London with the likes of Emerson and Edson Alvarez dropped out of the starting line-up due to illness.
Ahead of a busy schedule over the next week starting in the Europa League on Thursday, Moyes has decided to give the players two days off to stop the spread.
Rosser posted: “West Ham players given two days off following 5-0 loss at Fulham.
“Moyes wants them to stay away from the training ground to stop the spread of sickness bug. Also their only chance for a day off before four games in nine days starting Thursday.”
Worrying
Not to make any excuses on the players’ behalf, but it was clear something was not right against Fulham as players who are usually putting 100% in really did not perform as they wanted at Craven Cottage.
The Irons had been in great form, most recently defeating Tottenham 2-1, with this showing against the Cottagers very much a rare occasion.
It was the heaviest defeat for West Ham United under Moyes’ tutelage and given the Hammers are usually so sound in defence due to Moyes’ reserved approach, the scoreline certainly took everyone by surprise.
The absence of Alvarez was also significant given the security and quality he brings at the base of midfield but Moyes has probably made the right decision here given the severity of the situation.
The Hammers and several other Premier League clubs face a gruelling fixture schedule in the next few weeks for which every kind of break that the players have during the period will be incredibly crucial.
West Ham United face off against Freiburg on Thursday (14 December) for which a two-day break could certainly allow Moyes’ stars to return to full fitness and health and right the wrongs of Sunday’s result. Great decision.
In other West Ham news, the Irons could potentially bring in a new manager prior to their EFL Cup tie at Anfield.