Pellegrini eyes more signings ahead of new season

LONDON: West Ham United boss Manuel Pellegrini is looking to improve their squad depth before the start of the Premier League season.

The 64-year-old Chilean was joined by West Ham’s two new signings Felipe Anderson and Jack Wilshere at his first news conference on Tuesday since being appointed in May.

Wilshere and Anderson are two of seven new faces at West Ham but long-term injuries to striker Andy Carroll, defender Winston Reid and midfielder Manuel Lanzini has given the manager cause for concern.

“We are trying to build a strong squad,” Pellegrini told reporters.“We know the Premier League is not easy. For the moment, we have seven new players. We also have three important players with injuries — Lanzini, Carroll and Reid.

“Until the last day where we can bring in players, we will try to and build as strong a squad as we can. We are working together with the board. We will see how much money we have now until we are finished.”

Pellegrini believes Wilshere brings a winning mentality from Arsenal and could help introduce an attractive brand of football at West Ham, alongside big money signings Anderson and forward Andriy Yarmolenko.

“Jack is a very important player, not just because of his experience but because of his quality,” Pellegrini said.“He’s come from a winning club and that mentality now comes to West Ham and we need to use it to come to important times.”

The manager expects his players to adapt to a new style of play and hit the ground running in their league opener against Liverpool on August 12.

“It’s difficult for me to answer how long it will take players to settle,” said Pellegrini, who led Manchester City to the Premier League title in 2014.“When you bring so many new players, you may need some time to find the best starting XI, but football doesn’t give you time, so we must be ready for the first game.”