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.
Written by
Darren Plant
Darren Plant
