Hammers defender Angelo Ogbonna returns in the latest edition of his new blog, which delves into the Italian’s life with the Club and outside football.
This week, the former Juventus centre-back discusses the disappointing draw with Stoke and looks ahead to the big London derby against Tottenham next week.
The 28-year-old also reveals why this is a different kind of international break for the Ogbonna household…
Hello everyone,
We were obviously disappointed to drop two points against Stoke last weekend.
After we scored the opening goal it looked like we were going to go on and win the game so everyone was a bit frustrated at the final whistle.
We cannot complain about what has happened and need to focus all our energy on preparing for the next game against Tottenham.
We need to get back that winning feeling and everyone at the Club wants to see us push towards the top half of the table.
We all know the next game is a big one for everyone at West Ham. We know it is going to be a tough game like every derby we have faced against Arsenal and Chelsea.
But I am looking forward to the atmosphere because our home game against Spurs last season was one of the best atmospheres I have ever seen in England and it was a memorable victory.
I have played in big derbies for Juventus but you cannot compare those derbies.
The Premier League is different and we face a lot of big derbies. There is a lot of competition.
We had a number of big away wins last season and hopefully this will be the time where we can go and get an away win over Tottenham.
Our home game against Spurs last season was one of the best atmospheres I have ever seen in England.
Angelo Ogbonna
It is more important for us to get the three points in the situation we face at the moment and get back to winning ways. Our position in the table is not good and we want to make it better.
We want to show our quality and that we can play against the big teams. We should be a lot higher in the table with the quality of players we have got in the squad.
We are getting some big players back from injury and it is a good feeling when you know the likes of Diafra Sakho and Andy Carroll are close to making a first-team return.
Finally, it has been a bit strange for me not joining up with the Italy squad this week, but on the positive side it allows me to train hard with my team and concentrate on West Ham.
When we are winning a couple of games it will give me the chance to get back into the Italy squad.
I am using the time to relax and make sure I am in the best condition possible for the next game against Tottenham.
My fiance is expecting a baby soon and we are very close to the birth so my focus is on getting everything ready and making sure she is okay.
I look forward to speaking with you again soon.
Angelo