Manager downplays contract situation as Hammers face Nottingham Forest in search of first win of 2024

David Moyes has dismissed suggestions that the uncertainty surrounding his future at West Ham is contributing to the team’s disappointing run of form. Ahead of their Premier League clash with Nottingham Forest on Saturday, the Hammers are still searching for their first victory of 2024 after a dismal start to the year.

Moyes, whose contract expires at the end of the season, has faced growing speculation regarding his position due to the team’s poor performances. The club’s board is reportedly keen to assess the team’s progress before deciding on a new deal for the 60-year-old. However, Moyes has insisted that the lack of clarity over his future has not affected the players’ focus.

“I’ve got such a good relationship with the players,” Moyes said. “I’ve been around with them for a while, and there’s nothing in that. If I thought it was affecting them, I would soon make sure it was sorted.”

West Ham’s recent struggles were highlighted by a 6-0 home defeat to Arsenal, following a 3-0 loss at Manchester United. Fans have voiced concerns over Moyes’s cautious playing style, with some calling for a change in management. Despite the criticism, Moyes admitted that his biggest concern is the team’s defensive fragility, having conceded nine goals in their last two matches.

“I’ve been really disappointed with it,” Moyes commented. “Defensively we’ve not been as strong as my teams have been used to. There’s responsibility that falls on the players to stand up and be counted.”

In addition to their defensive woes, West Ham have struggled in attack, scoring just three goals in their last five matches. Key forwards, including Lucas Paqueta, Mohammed Kudus, and Michail Antonio, have been unavailable at times, but Moyes believes the team’s defensive issues cannot be blamed solely on their lack of attacking options.

“Conceding those goals is something we don’t do,” he said. “Normally, we have a good defensive record and maybe don’t score as many goals. We’ve had our goal-scoring issues, but defensively we should still have the steel to at least keep clean sheets or fight for narrow draws.”