On-loan striker Jonathan Calleri has explained why he is yet to make a positive contribution to West Ham’s stuttering start to the 16/17 season.
The Argentine joined on loan from Deportivo Maldonado in the summer but has made only four Premier League appearances so far this season, and it yet to find the back of the net.
His failure to live up to expectations means he is just another summer signing that fans believe aren’t up to representing the famous claret and blue and are the reason Bilic’s side have only picked up one win from their opening seven league fixtures.
However, Calleri has explained the reasons behind his initial struggles and admits he still has hopes of making a positive mark on the club this season.
He told West Ham’s official site: “The style of play here is very different and it can take a few months to settle in.
“I am finding it a bit difficult in terms of the language and the style of play at the moment.
“I remember it took a while for Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano to settle in and then they did really well. I am hoping that I can leave my mark on the club.”
The striker is clearly confident that he’ll eventually come good and can help the club start climbing the table by contributing with goals, of which the team are currently desperate for.
However, the fact he has recently struggled to make the matchday squad despite injuries to Andy Carroll, Andre Ayew and Diafra Sakho, and obviously the lack of form of fellow on-loan striker Simone Zaza, suggests Slaven Bilic has already lost faith in his ability.
That assessment may be wide of the mark but the early signs aren’t exactly promising.