Manuel Pellegrini reassured West Ham fans that training ground Rush Green is fit for purpose, after the Daily Mail criticised the facility.
The Mail published some damning claims about David Moyes’ spell in east London, stating that the changing rooms were cramped, the pitch did not have suitable undersoil heating and that the gym was not big enough.
After the club officially refuted the claims yesterday, Pellegrini has now done the same. He is clearly keen to reassure fans that the facilities will not hamper any attempt to get off the foot of the Premier League table.
What did Pellegrini say?
According to the club’s official website, he said: “There are absolutely no problems with Rush Green. It is a modern, efficient facility that enables us to do everything we need with the squad in terms of training and preparation for matches.
“The club have spent almost £10 million on training facilities over the last couple of years and that investment is set to continue. We have excellent training pitches, which mirror the exact layout, dimensions and quality of our home match pitch at London Stadium.
“The medical and fitness facilities are first class, and the changing areas for both the players and coaching staff are more than adequate.”
“I cannot comment on what happened prior to my time here. All I know is that I have had every support from the owners and directors since arriving at the club. We are all working together with the same objectives and targets.
“There are no excuses to make and my staff and players will not be making any. We have a training ground and working environment that completely covers our needs and requirements and that is all that matters.
“The only thing I am not happy with at this present moment is our results on the pitch. But I would like to assure our supporters that everyone here is working as hard as we possibly can to improve our situation.
“As a club, we must all stick together and focus on what is important.”
One less issue to worry about
The last thing the club or Pellegrini need during such a poor run is criticism of the facilities. It only adds to the sense of chaos around the club; right now, it is important that everyone is pulling in the same direction.
At a Premier League club, the players and staff should have everything needed to create a culture of success. The fans must take Pellegrini at his word; the Chilean certainly can’t use it as an excuse any more.
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