West Ham United have struggled at the beginning of this campaign but Bilic insists it isn’t the stadium causing problems.
West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic
West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic has continued to insist that the London Stadium is not the cause of his team’s troubles, speaking to Sky Sports.
The Hammers have endured a disappointing start to the campaign, winning just one of their seven games so far.
It leaves them sitting in the bottom three before this weekend’s clash with Crystal Palace.
A number of potential causes have been suggested by fans and pundits alike, with some claiming it is their move to a new stadium which has been the problem.
West Ham’s Olympic Stadium v Domizale
The club moved to the London Stadium this summer, departing their lifelong home of Upton Park, and the new ground has been beset by problems off the pitch since its opening.
Bilic refuses to accept that theory, though, telling Sky Sports his team would prefer to play at home.
“Make no mistake, we would rather play at home because there we feel the 60,000 people,” said the West Ham boss.
“The stadium is not a reason, the stadium is great. Many clubs changed stadiums and needed time to settle in, to get used to the stadium. We have to win a few games to feel more at home.”
West Ham’s Olympic Stadium v Domizale
While this weekend does not provide the Hammers with the chance to turn their home form around, next weekend does.
They host fellow strugglers Sunderland at the London Stadium, with David Moyes team without a win so far this season.
That presents Slaven Bilic and his team with the perfect chance to end their own disappointment and pick up a much needed win at home.
First, though, they must negotiate their way past Crystal Palace and will hope to secure a win to take them into that clash with the Black Cats full of confidence.
West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic and Middlesbrough manager Aitor Karanka
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
