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Yarmouth 11:08 Sun Aug 19
Why are we so lethargic as a team?

I’ve long since thought this, but we just don’t ‘look’ like any other prem team when we play.

Acknowledging that MOTD is just highlights, but every team, literally every team has pace, energy, quick running off the ball, power and creates chances. When you watch live games on TV or at the ground it’s the same.

It’s quick, powerful, penetrating football - we just don’t have any of these qualities consistently.

This is not just a knee jerk reaction because of yesterday, I’ve thought this for many years now.

I honestly thought that we had the opportunity to change this when we pushed the boat out in transfers this season and on top of that with Pelligrini as manager we may break away from the mold of dire, dull managers with no flair that may have stifled the players.

But no. Still laborious, slow, no energy, no movement, no pace – we just look unfit and lethargic. There’s no athleticism, no power, the players just don’t move into positions to give each other options.

Why is this? Is it training methods, poor attitude through the club, motivation methods, no team spirit?

What is fundamentally wrong with our club that causes this?

Mex Martillo 11:15 Sun Aug 19
Re: Why are we so lethargic as a team?

I think Moyes tackled this and had us attacking quicker through Arnautovic, but yes Pellegrini has taken a step back.

We are so slow.

I thought Pellegrini was going to get us attacking fast, but he appears to be trying the slow ManCity / Guardiola approach, which I cannot see working for us...

moorethanjustananon 11:17 Sun Aug 19
Re: Why are we so lethargic as a team?

I think it might be mentality of managers over the previous decade.

Takes a long time to change that sort of thing but the managers have either been dire tactically (see Zola, Grant, Bilic) or set the side up not to lose first (a la Big Sam and Moyes) these things can have a hangover in the players who remain minds.

Sven Roeder 11:31 Sun Aug 19
Re: Why are we so lethargic as a team?

I’ve often thought this ‘West Ham Way’ didn’t do us any favours.
We seem to interpret it as strolling around playing pretty passes and looked down our noses at teams that worked hard and got stuck in.
The ironic thing is that the best teams work hardest.

If anyone has ever read the excellent book Only A Game by (ex Millwall cunt) Eamon Dunphy he talks about West Ham turning up for a preseason match for what was supposed to a big season.
Bobby Moore isn’t even there and the West Ham players stroll about in a HALF ARSED style.
Same as it ever was

stewie griffin 11:37 Sun Aug 19
Re: Why are we so lethargic as a team?

Transfer business mostly.

On this occasion, we seem to have signed a bunch of technically proficient players who offer no bite, energy or ability to beat a man. We look like a very nice team to play against. Yes they'll take time to settle, but I'm not sure those are things you can add to their armoury.

I don't rate Antonio at all, he has less of a brain and worse technique than Carlton COLE , but yesterday was a prime example of why he's so well liked. He sticks his head down and runs at people. Defenders hate it, and it gets supporters out of their seats. Yesterday we had the vast majority of possession and just played it around in front of them. All very tidy, but no EDGE.

PwoperNaughtyButNot 11:38 Sun Aug 19
Re: Why are we so lethargic as a team?

Big club stadium

Big club manager

Big club transfer fees

Big club wages

Small club mentality



It will take time for Pellegrini to change this but Liverpool will beat plenty of teams this season and Bournemouth always give us a game. We will finished below Liverpool and finish above Bournemouth. Long way to go and lots of players to bed in and understand tactics etc.

This has to be a tradition year with another big spend in the summer if we are to continue trying to attain an upward trajectory. If this was a one of plunge then we have just papered over the cracks of years of underinvestment.

costahammer 11:51 Sun Aug 19
Re: Why are we so lethargic as a team?

Been like that for years now!!...no zip in their passing, strolling about (errr Noble)...holdng the ball too long... no shapes being played using good movement! but just static at times!!.... thats been our standard for last few seasons to be host!!... we look like a team of ball watchers!!

Peterboroughiron 11:52 Sun Aug 19
Re: Why are we so lethargic as a team?

Funny that my missus who has only a passing interest in football and has never been to a game always says the same
Why do West Ham look different to all the other teams
I would love to know what they do in training

mallard 12:05 Sun Aug 19
Re: Why are we so lethargic as a team?

I’ve been thinking the same for years, no matter which Manager we have, the teams have no urgency.
When chasing an equaliser, with 15 mins to go, teams should be throwing everything at the opposition.
Haven’t seen this type of football since The Pardew Cup final season, maybe it was because we had more youngsters eager to prove a point !!

AnotherDay_SameShit 12:05 Sun Aug 19
Re: Why are we so lethargic as a team?

This is why I've never liked Noble, he is the epitome of this problem and has been for years. Still, he's always happy cuddling people and slapping them on the back and playing jokes with his new bestie mate Wilshere, all while raking in 50 big ones a week, so all is ok.

Side of Ham 12:19 Sun Aug 19
Re: Why are we so lethargic as a team?

There was a moment when Wilshere was pissed with Noble after the break down of an attack so much so he raced into the area of the pitch where Noble should have been positioned and made a rash tackle that got him a yellow.

Soon after Noble was subbed.

Sven Roeder 12:28 Sun Aug 19
Re: Why are we so lethargic as a team?

What struck me about yesterday that was similar to last season is that we don’t work hard enough to support each other so players end up playing two or three on their own.
We are so disjointed
Watch other teams. Players move to make an angle and give someone an out. We stand and watch and the standard of our passing always seems worse.
A lot of that is down to players being under pressure and not having options.
Which is why we needed more quality and energy in central midfield

Takashi Miike 12:31 Sun Aug 19
Re: Why are we so lethargic as a team?

one of my favourite players after bonds was martin allen. i loved watching him instantly and all because he was permanently at it. he wasn't the most talented or skilful, but made up for that with fitness, desire and attitude. Parker was similar but with more finesse but we desperately need one like those two who'll lead by example

AnotherDay_SameShit 12:34 Sun Aug 19
Re: Why are we so lethargic as a team?

mike - We need a lot more than a fist pumping headless chicken, mate.

GreenStreetPlayer 12:34 Sun Aug 19
Re: Why are we so lethargic as a team?

The game is so quick you do need athletes to compete nowadays. Is it a coincidence the game has more black african players able to run around for 90 mins, and at pace. Never heard of most of them but they seem to have such a big impact on the game. We just cannot compete as we are.
The game has moved on, we haven't. The likes of Noble etc up against these is embarrassing at times. They just bypass us.

Takashi Miike 12:36 Sun Aug 19
Re: Why are we so lethargic as a team?

you may think he was a headless chicken, he's better than anything we have now in central midfield by a long way

Takashi Miike 12:37 Sun Aug 19
Re: Why are we so lethargic as a team?

greenstreet, you are correct but bournemouth had four white lads against us yet still looked much quicker & fitter. i never realised brooks was signed from sheff utd

AnotherDay_SameShit 12:41 Sun Aug 19
Re: Why are we so lethargic as a team?

You said he wasn't that talented or skilful?

GreenStreetPlayer 12:41 Sun Aug 19
Re: Why are we so lethargic as a team?

True TM. Baffling how we seem to have the slowest of the slow.

Side of Ham 12:42 Sun Aug 19
Re: Why are we so lethargic as a team?

Miike, are you sure he didn't mean Noble?

LeroysBoots 12:48 Sun Aug 19
Re: Why are we so lethargic as a team?

As i said countless times look no further than the midfield.

Different voach, new players, same mistakes

Surely players that have remained are the problem ?

Noble cant cover the ground we need in midfield

Has to be 3 at the back for the next game with a new DM partnership

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