Michail Antonio has completely contradicted himself with new West Ham demands which show he has a very short memory indeed.
Let’s kick things off by clarifying that no West Ham fan wants to see players who are happy to be on the bench.
But when, like Antonio, players have been woefully out of form for a prolonged period then supporters expect them to accept they may lose their place for the good of the team.
When you speak out in the press about the situation then you leave yourself open to criticism.
And that is what Antonio has done this week.
Speaking in The Evening Standard, Antonio was honest enough to admit the team has hit a slump over the last year following the exertions of their “two massive seasons” including that memorable Europa League campaign.
But he also stated that he is not happy sharing the striker role and being on the bench with £35m summer signing Gianluca Scamacca being David Moyes’ preferred starter up top.
“No, I’ve not been happy [with the number of games I’ve played],” Antonio told The Evening Standard.
“I’m someone who wants to play games. I’m never going to settle for coming off the bench and being involved that way…
“I’m not really about the rotation type of thing — if I’m fit, I want to play. It’s the gaffer’s decision on what he wants to do, but I’m always going to let him know that I want to play.”
Michail Antonio has completely contradicted himself with new West Ham demands which show he has a very short memory indeed
Antonio has completely contradicted himself with his new West Ham demands which show he has a very short memory indeed.
As stated at the top of the article, it is great to hear Antonio wants to play and help the team.
But they say be careful what you wish for and that certainly applies to Antonio after comments he made in an interview with the same outlet this time last year.
With speculation rife over West Ham looking to sign a striker in the last January window, Antonio spoke out admitting that he would welcome and relish having another forward in the West Ham squad.
Antonio even claimed that he would benefit from some time out of the side during his barren spells (Standard Sport).
“I’m a person where I want a challenge, I want someone to be there pushing me and make sure I am doing the right things,” Antonio told Standard Sport.
“The time I went nine games without scoring a goal, maybe someone could have stepped in and given me that little push so that I could hit the back of the net.
“I am not a person that would shy away from a challenge. I would definitely embrace someone coming in, I’d embrace the competition.”
So which is it Michail? Make your mind up because you have completely contradicted yourself.
That last line about embracing the competition is particularly striking. Because his new comments suggest he is doing anything but.
If you asked most West Ham fans where the club needs to strengthen in the forthcoming transfer windows they would say up front.
Antonio turns 33 in March and needs to appreciate his role at a big club. The striker needs to stop whinging and when he gets out on the pitch prove he deserves to start by putting in performances, being a nuisance and scoring goals.