Pellegrini: London Stadium right for ‘big’ West Ham

© David Davies/PA Wire

Manuel Pellegrini has vowed to end the negativity surrounding West Ham at the London Stadium.

The Hammers kick off their third season at the former Olympic stadium against Bournemouth on Saturday with some fans still unconvinced about the move from their old Upton Park home.

Such was the ill-feeling last season that the home game against Burnley was marred by pitch invasions and anti-board protests.

Meanwhile, on the pitch West Ham have won just 14 of their 38 Premier League matches at the stadium.

But as Pellegrini prepares for his first match in the home dug-out he insists there is no reason the club cannot make a success of their surroundings.

“It is a stadium for a big team. West Ham is a big team,” said the Hammers boss.

“The Boleyn Ground was a great stadium with a lot of atmosphere. But it was for 30,000 people. The London Stadium is for 55,000, so 25,000 more fans are allowed to see the game. It is our home stadium because it is what this club needs and deserves.

“I don’t know why that stadium has to be difficult. I don’t see any reason why it has to be difficult.

“The pitch has the same measurements. The grass is in very good shape. The atmosphere, with 55,000 people, is great. The stadium is not an excuse.

“When a season finishes, it is is finished. All the experiences, positive or negative, must finish at the end of the season.

“Now we have a new season. I don’t know why it can be a negative stadium, there is not any reason.

“They changed from a stadium that was the club’s home for 100 years, that’s always a change. But it’s a positive change, not a negative change.”

Lucas Perez and Carlos Sanchez will be added to the West Ham squad.

The duo joined the Hammers on deadline day but were not involved in the 4-0 defeat at Liverpool on the opening day of the season.