West Ham manager David Moyes came to the defense of midfielder Kalvin Phillips this Monday. The player has been targeted by some of the fans and made an obscene gesture over the weekend.
Loaned to the London club by Manchester City during the January transfer window, the player, who wants more minutes on the field to be able to compete for the Eurocup 2024, has not performed as expected at his club. Phillips was involved in two goals conceded in the first two games for West Ham and was sent off in the fourth game.
On Saturday, in the 4-3 defeat against Newcastle, the midfielder entered the field in the 69th minute, with his team winning 3-1. Seven minutes later, he committed a penalty, converted by the opponent, and was surpassed in speed in the last Newcastle goal.
In a video published by several media outlets, including the English newspaper The Sunthe 28-year-old could be seen giving the middle finger to a fan criticizing his performance as he boarded the team bus.
David Moyes gives his thoughts after the game at St. James’ Park 🗣️
— West Ham United (@WestHam) March 30, 2024
“Kalvin is a human being and, like all of us, he can do some things in difficult times,” Moyes said. “He needs us to support him, for people to help him, and we are going to defend him and help him as much as we can,” he added.
On the eve of the home game against Tottenhamfor the 31st round of the Premier League, Moyes made an appeal to the fans at the London Stadium. “Obviously we need all of our fans to support all of our players, whoever they are.”
“Kalvin Phillips is a very good international player and I think he is an excellent player,” continued the Scottish coach.
Time appears to be running out for Phillips, whose status as an England player has been questioned in recent months. With Euro 2024 approaching, which starts on June 14 in Germany, England coach Gareth Southgate did not call him up for the two friendlies played last month. A England was defeated 1-0 by Brazil and drew 2-2 with Belgium.
Source: Gazetaesportiva
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