Porter: It was too easy to concede the ball, and we were in a dilemma after 1-2

Hupu reported on August 23 that in the second round of the Premier League, West Ham United lost to Chelsea 1-5. After the game, West Ham coach Graham Porter attended the press conference.

How to view this game

about the way of conceding goals - In our opinion, these conceding goals are too easy and the defense is too weak. In fact, we started the game very well, but as soon as we lost the first ball, the pattern of losing the ball later was basically determined. Especially when facing a top team like Chelsea, if you still lose the ball like this, you can basically not play the game and you can't win at all.

What would you say to the players?

I would say that we have to do better, we have to do better. We can't defend the penalty area like we did just now, we can't concede the ball like we did just now, we have to do better.

As you mentioned, (it doesn't matter) positivity. Do you think the team sometimes has psychological problems? For example, when he was about to score a goal, he was hesitant and retreating?

I think in football games, I will naturally feel disappointed after losing the ball, which is normal. And we have had a tough week without a doubt. But the second ball was thrown too easily, and the opponent scored too easily. I don't want to say that, but this is indeed a problem with basic defensive skills.

If it were a Chelsea player who broke us through with his super high level of performance, that would be reasonable. But I don't think this is the case this time. After that, the score became 1-2 behind, and we were in a dilemma - when playing at home, the fans definitely wanted us to push forward and chase points, so we had to attack; but at the same time, Chelsea's players are very capable and can easily break through our defense. So it is indeed difficult to play this night, but I still have to reiterate that the way we conceded the ball did not meet the requirements at all.

The transfer window will be closed in 10 days. How confident are you to sign the right player?

It depends on two aspects. On the one hand, we can indeed find and sign external players who can help the team; but on the other hand, we also need to improve the level of existing players.

You have said before that players on the bench need more playing time, which is an emotional instinctive reaction. But how worrying are the situation in these two games at present? What do you need to do? Is it mainly a psychological problem or a simple basic defense skill problem? What adjustments have you made to this?

To be honest, it may be a bit of both aspects, this is reality. But as I said just now, we had a hard time this week - we played two games and lost 8 goals. This is an indisputable fact and no one can avoid it. So the defense must be greatly improved, and we have to do a much better job of defending the penalty area. We have another game on Tuesday, so we can try some solutions and see how other players perform. After that we must find a better way forward than we are now. The team has become like this because...

No, I don't want to say that the team lacks fighting spirit, because I know the players care and I am eager to play well. I train with them every day and I know they want to do better than they are now. But I think people will always encounter a difficult period, whether in football or in life. There is no doubt that we are in such a period now. Before the game of Sunderland, we were full of optimism and positive attitude, but we suffered a heavy blow; then we faced a talented team like Chelsea, which was indeed a tough battle for us. Like I said just now, we played well at the start, but the opponent scored too easily, and that's the reality and we have to improve.

You said they...

Well, I think... I don't doubt the players in the locker room, no doubt at all. I think they have leadership and fighting spirit, but I think the reason why we are struggling and feeling uncomfortable now is because this week has been too difficult. On the one hand, when he played against Sunderland, he performed poorly in the second half, and he paid a heavy price for it; on the other hand, when facing a talented top team like Chelsea, the opponent scored goals too easily and too easy.

How difficult is it to reverse this momentum and get rid of negative emotions? How confident are you in this team to do this?

Oh, I have confidence in the players, I also have confidence in myself, and I understand the current situation. I know it's difficult because the results of the past two games are there, and no one wants to see such a result, and it's not good to write it out. So I think the only solution is to unite, work hard, find a solution to the problem, and work together to become better. It's that simple.

About pressure...

In this position, when encountering this situation, the pressure is always there. That's how it is. I understand this field and know what I will face if I have poor grades. I will also take on my own responsibilities.

About your colleagues...

I think it is unfair to take someone out alone. I think it's too easy for the opponent to score goals overall. So I will take my responsibility, reflect on myself, and do better. I think all players will do this, because I know they are sincere, and they want to and are willing to do more than they are now.

Does the players seem to have some positive or psychological problems? Do you think this is because there is no clear goal this season - such as being too far from competing for the championship, and the risk of relegation until now is not really realistic?

I don't think so at all. We only played two games...so I don't think it's the reason at all.

You obviously worked closely with David Sullivan on signings this summer. What is your relationship? How do you think we can build a competitive Premier League team?

I cooperated well with the Chairman and the Board of Directors and they have always been very supportive of me. We need to work together to find some solutions, and I believe we can do it.