Manuel Pellegrini defends decision to take squad to Spain for warm weather training camp

Manuel Pellegrini has defended his decision to take his West Ham United squad to Spain for a winter training camp.

The Hammers jetted out to Malaga on Tuesday for a four-day trip.

It is a subject which often divides fans, particularly at West Ham.

Usually because it means the club is out of the FA Cup for another year.

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Spain trip galling for some fans

This time around that has come as a result of a dismal defeat to League Two bound AFC Wimbledon that will live long in the memory of fans.

Many find it galling that the side are being taken abroad when they should be preparing for a huge FA Cup tie against bitter rivals Millwall.

West Ham could be playing Millwall, instead they are in Malaga

But before departing West Ham boss Pellegrini defended the decision to use their FA Cup exit to take a break away.

“I said after we lost at Wimbledon that we wanted to continue in the FA Cup, that was our intention, but we couldn’t do it, and in another way it is good for some players that are playing too many games since the beginning of the season,” Pellegrini told whufc.com.

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‘This is not a holiday’

“We continue with eight players injured, so I think this stop next weekend will be very useful for us.

“We are not going to go on holiday.

“We are going to work there, maybe in better weather than here. Also, to take them out some days is good for the group, so there are a lot of things that helped me decide to take the team there.”