The Hammers have won just once in their first four Premier League games so far this season.
West Ham United’s Adrian, Dimitri Payet and team mates look dejected
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic has warned his players to take stock of Chelsea’s troubles last season and avoid slumping into a comfort zone and subsequent fall down the league table, according to the Evening Standard.
The Hammers have claimed just one win out of their first five Premier League games, and much is expected of Bilic’s side, after finishing 7th last year and challenging for a place in the Champions League.
Bilic has expressed his fear that his side may underestimate the challenge of consolidating their position, much like Chelsea failed to do last year after winning the Premier League title in 2014-15, before dramatically sliding down the table and finishing 10th last term.
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic
“Chelsea lost it last year,” he told the Evening Standard.
“Manchester City lost it last year, and didn’t achieve.
“OK, City qualified for the Champions League but it wasn’t good enough, and it was because of being in a comfort zone.
“No team can play in the Premier League like that – we are not the kind of team that get away with it because of the quality they can put on the pitch.
“We’re not that team, 100 per cent.”
West Ham players dejected after the game
West Ham gave up a 2-0 lead at home to Watford in their league outing last weekend, eventually losing 4-2, and also lost against West Brom on Saturday, and Bilic has urged his side to maintain the focus that made them such a force last season.
“It’s very easy to get into what I call a comfort zone, to get out from overdrive,” he continued.
“It’s like being in cruise control, when you’re on the motorway and you drive like that and you become sleepy.”
West Ham’s recent form is certainly a cause for concern and, ultimately, it will be up to the players to arrest the drop in form and improve the club’s fortunes this season.
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic before the game
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
