The Athletic journalist Nick Miller has been speaking on the latest edition of the Tifo Podcast about various topics from the world of football.
One of the topics that he spent some time on was West Ham United and the dressing room atmosphere that has contributed to the Hammers’ incredible season.
David Moyes has led his side to an unbelievable campaign, and with just seven games left, they are in fourth and have a real chance of achieving a Champions League place, which led Miller to discuss the atmosphere at the club.
He said: “Let’s just say that it is this kind of fine team spirit that has fostered this brilliant atmosphere in the squad, and that’s why they’re playing really well. It’s interesting that this is something that West Ham have been able to do.”
Miller then compared West Ham to his team Nottingham Forest to try and work out why the Hammers have been so good this season, given that due to the pandemic, players have not been able to socialise as they normally would.
“It’s also something that was mentioned a bit at Nottingham Forest as well, my team; there [were] two things to this.
“Firstly, they signed 14 players in the summer, which was insane, but it was doubly insane given that they signed 14 players and there was no opportunity for them to get to know each other beyond training.
“So if David Moyes has managed to do this and foster this team spirit, it’s interesting how he’s done it and why it’s been so successful.
“It also probably helped that there have been a few additions but [it’s] broadly the same [squad] as last season.”
Do you think West Ham's form is all down to the good atmosphere?
No, there are more factors at play
Yes, that is the only reason
TIF Thoughts on West Ham’s squad…
In the last summer transfer window, the Hammers signed Vladimir Coufal, bought Tomas Soucek outright, and also added Craig Dawson and Said Benrahma.
Then in January, they added Jesse Lingard, and it is fair to say that Lingard, Soucek, and Coufal have been brilliant signings on the pitch, which is reflected in their average WhoScored ratings, but also off it.
Whatever the secret is behind West Ham’s incredible season, we hope it continues, and it would be fantastic to see the Hammers in the Champions League next season.
In other news: ‘It’s not a coincidence’ – MOTD pundit wowed by £13.5m-rated West Ham ace