Manager Chris Hughton held his pre West Ham press conference yesterday ahead of tonight’s kick off.
Heading to the London Stadium later this evening for the televised game against Brighton, Hughton covered a number of topics as he spoke to the Official Site and the gaffer was in good spirits despite the way the Everton game ended.
Asked if he had to pick the players up this week.
‘It’s not been difficult because we try to do it as soon as possible. I suppose the reality is that although it felt like a defeat, it wasn’t. We had enough good periods in the game and showed good enough form that we`ll continue to be encouraged. With that being the case, it’s not so difficult to pick the players up. For us, every game is a challenge, every game is something new. We’re a team that is having to get used to this division and the quality of it.’
As for West Ham more specifically, he knew they’d have expectations coming into the game but equally they are struggling in their new stadium and we have to make that play to our advantage.
‘West Ham are a big club. I played there for a year-and-a-half and thoroughly enjoyed my time there. It was an important time in my playing career. I know the expectations of the supporters, they want to see good, attractive football, but most importantly, they also want to see winning football. They`ve experienced some difficulties, with the change from the old stadium to the new stadium, and players that they`ve brought in over the last few transfer windows. But they`ve got a lot of quality there and I always feel that when West Ham have a difficult time, they will always come through it.’
Talking about away form and points, Hughton went on to say.
‘Away form is going to be the most challenging. It`s a game away from home, in a big stadium, and irrespective of league positions, we`re up against a very talented team. At home, we`ve acquitted ourselves well. We felt we should have won the game against Everton, but we`ve won two games at home, drawn one and put on a very good show against Manchester City. Irrespective of where they should be and their form, they`re a team that are around us at this particular moment in the league table and we’re looking forward to it.’
He added.
‘It’s different, they’re a club that played at the same stadium for so many years and it’s a change. But it’s a change for the right reasons. It’s a bigger stadium, certainly further away from the pitch itself, but those are adjustments that any club that either move or build a new stadium have to get used to. Tottenham are hopefully in a new stadium for next season and Arsenal have also done it. Numerous clubs have changed stadium and have had to get used to it. West Ham will be no different.’
