West Ham United boss Manuel Pellegrini plays down criticism of fans

Manuel Pellegrini has insisted that he did not intend to criticise West Ham United's supporters after the defeat to Bournemouth.

The Hammers let slip a one-goal lead to lose to the Cherries at the London Stadium, with a group of supporters opting to leave the ground before the full-time whistle.

Pellegrini highlighted their absence after the game, but the Chilean has now moved to clarify his comments ahead of the trip to Arsenal on Saturday afternoon.

At a press conference, Pellegrini told reporters: "It's not a criticism of the fans, it's how much the team needs them.

"I perfectly understand if you are losing 4 or 5-1 then you might leave early to go to your house but at 2-1, we need all of us to be together. Everyone."

West Ham currently sit in 19th place in the Premier League standings.