West Ham United defender Pablo Zabaleta has revealed that new boss Manuel Pellegrini has brought a new “winning mentality” to the club.
Pellegrini took over at the London Stadium at the beginning of the summer following the departure of former boss David Moyes.
Since his arrival, the former Manchester City manager has brought in a whole host of new players that has seen the Hammers spend over £100 million before the season has begun.
Zabaleta and Pellegrini worked together at the Etihad, where they won one Premier League title and two League cups, before the the Chilean boss left the club in 2016.
Now back together again, Zabaleta has heaped praise on the mental ability Pellegrini is able to conjour from the Hammers squad, with the east London side ready to tackle the season ahead.
Speaking to reporters (via the Standard), Zabaleta said: “When I heard Manuel was coming it was good, it was positive.
“I knew Manuel from City — I spent three years with him [2013-16]. He is very experienced and has worked in big clubs [also managing Real Madrid and Villarreal]. He can bring all of that experience to West Ham — and that has to be really good for us.
“I think all the lads are enjoying it, his training sessions are really good while, as a person, he’s calm, a true gentleman. At the same time, he is so demanding and that is what you need to succeed — a winning mentality.
“He puts a strong emphasis on discipline. If training sessions start at 10.30am, then you have to be there, on the pitch. You have to do your weights every day. They may be small details but they make a difference. That’s all you need sometimes, discipline as a team on and off the pitch.
“In addition to that, he likes his teams to play good, attacking football. That is why he has brought in several creative players this summer. Hopefully, they can settle in quickly.”
West Ham’s first fixture of the new Premier League campaign is against Liverpool this Sunday.
The post Pellegrini brings a winning mentality to West Ham – Zabaleta appeared first on Squawka News.
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