Pellegrini feels like West Ham fans are finally behind him

© David Davies/PA Wire

Manuel Pellegrini believes he has finally united the West Ham fans behind him and the club.

Hammers supporters sung their manager’s name for the first time since he took over in the summer as they made it four wins on the spin at Fulham last weekend.

They host Watford on Saturday looking for a fifth straight victory for the first time since 2006 and are closing in on a European spot which appeared unthinkable after losing their first four matches this season.

Yet Pellegrini’s biggest achievement may just be pulling together a fanbase whose anger at poor performances and the unpopular move to the London Stadium spilled over at times last term.

“Maybe we are starting some good days at West Ham, and we have to try and keep it that way until the end of the season,” said Pellegrini.

“For me, having this good moment in the middle of the season is important for everyone.

“The fans are loud in the stadium and the players are playing with more trust, but what is important is that we finish the season in the spot that this club deserves with the amount of people behind this club.

“The London Stadium is now always full with fans and we need to feel that in every game. That is what we are trying to do now.

“This is a good moment of the year for the club. I was not here at the end of last season but I feel that everyone is feeling we are making a change and we must keep that change.

“The better we can play, the fans will be more happy. It is more important to have them behind the team.

“I know what happened last season and you cannot have a good season without everyone working altogether.

“That is the owner, the staff, the players and the fans. This is a good moment for everyone and we must keep it altogether.”

West Ham are likely to be unchanged from the side which beat Fulham 2-0 at Craven Cottage, although striker Lucas Perez will be on the bench if he can shake off a foot injury.