Saïd Benrahma says the Claret and Blue Army can give West Ham United the strength to improve performances and results after the FIFA World Cup break.
The Irons have underachieved in the Premier League in the opening section of the 2022/23 campaign, with missed chances and defensive mistakes combining to leave them 16th in the table.
The Hammers have had 203 goal attempts in their opening 15 top-flight matches – only five teams have had more – but scored just 12 times, resulting in a Premier League-leading -7.59 xG (Expected Goals for) and -7.75 xPTS (Expected Points). By those metrics, West Ham should be eighth.
Benrahma, who has had 29 of those goal attempts, created 17 more and scored in the recent win over AFC Bournemouth and defeat by Crystal Palace, knows the Irons need to improve their output, and asked the supporters to keep the faith that things will soon start looking up.
“I understand why they’re [the fans] a bit upset, but we’re hoping that they’ll keep supporting us because we really need them, they’re our 12th man,” he told West Ham TV. “They always give us extra force and that doesn’t go unnoticed. I’m hoping they’ll keep pushing us and giving us love and encouragement.
“I understand their frustration, results have not been going our way so it’s normal for them to be upset, but we need them to keep backing us and pushing us and we will try and give them everything on the pitch. We’re sorry about this [Leicester City] match. It’s hard for everyone, but I really hope they keep pushing us and giving us strength.”
Benrahma himself has received enthusiastic backing from the Claret and Blue Army, who have enjoyed the Algerian’s creativity, flair and willingness to run at the opposition whenever he is in possession.
The No22 himself is enjoying his football, and is determined to turn that enjoyment into positive results for his team when West Ham return to action after Christmas.
“I’m getting my confidence back, I feel good being back in the team,” he confirmed. “I’ve started getting to know everyone a bit better. I feel liberated, I’m focused, I’m just trying to play my football.
“This year, I’ve started to get that enjoyment back which I had lost a little bit, but now I’m playing my football and I hope that continues, hopefully with some victories. Because although I’m feeling good on the pitch, results aren’t going our way.
“I hope that after the break, we’ll come back stronger and I can continue to enjoy my football because we have a big, big team. It takes time to gel, but we are becoming more and more familiar with each other’s game. I hope I can continue this momentum; my teammates are really encouraging me and giving me strength, I just hope I can show that on the pitch.”
