“West Ham’s Crisis of Conviction: Rooney Slams Defensive Chaos & Belief Vacuum”
Wayne Rooney has pulled no punches in his criticism of West Ham United, articulating a growing sense of alarm over what he describes as a “crazy” defensive frailty and a glaring lack of belief within the squad under Graham Potter. Speaking in the wake of a troubling start to the Premier League season, Rooney has laid bare both the tactical and psychological shortcomings that have left the Hammers floundering. Here’s a closer look at what’s gone wrong—and what needs urgent fixing.
Defensive Disaster: Set‑Pieces & Slip‑Ups
One of Rooney’s biggest concerns has been West Ham’s inability to deal with set pieces. Against Crystal Palace, for example, West Ham allowed a third home goal of the season from a set play—something Rooney highlighted on Match of the Day. (West Ham Zone) He pointed out a 3v2 situation in Palace’s box where the defenders simply lost their shape. The result: a free header, and a goal conceded which could and should have been prevented. (West Ham Zone)
In total, seven of the 13 goals West Ham have leaked so far this season have come from corners and set‑piece situations. That’s far too many. Rooney emphasises that defensive work can be practiced and improved—but so far, it hasn’t been done well enough. (West Ham Zone)
“Crazy” Problems = Mental Breakdown More Than Just Tactics
Rooney went beyond critiquing lineups and defensive strategies; he spoke about the mental side of the collapse. According to him, West Ham currently suffer from a serious lack of confidence. “When confidence is low, it feels like the world is against you,” Rooney observed, reflecting not just a run of poor results but the sense that every mistake is magnified, every game feels uphill. (West Ham Zone)
The word “crazy” keeps cropping up in Rooney’s few comments—referring to how unforced errors, basic defensive negligence, and ill‑judged individual decisions are costing the team heavily. These aren’t isolated tactical lapses; they appear to be systemic breakdowns of discipline, focus, and self‑belief. (West Ham Zone)
What About Potter? Belief, Principles & Stability
Rooney accepts that Graham Potter has inherited a squad not entirely built in his image—and that changing the identity of a team takes time. (West Ham Zone) But at the same time, he argues that there seems to be insufficient conviction behind what Potter is asking his players to do.
Potter’s selection decisions—such as repeatedly starting James Ward‑Prowse—have been questioned by fans and pundits alike, especially when performances have lacked urgency. Rooney implies that some players look disconnected, perhaps not buying fully into the tactical instructions or the pressure of the moment. (West Ham Zone)
Urgency Required: Fixes, Not Just Talk
Rooney’s view is that the club cannot afford more time simply waiting for Potter’s principles to settle. The problems are here already. If the defensive issues are not addressed now, they’ll compound, undermining any positives the manager might be trying to build. (West Ham Zone)
- West Ham need better organisation at set pieces—marking, positioning, accountability.
- They need leaders on the pitch who can steady things when the pressure is on.
- And perhaps most crucially, they need belief—not just from Potter, but from every player, every coach, and every department of the club.
Final Word
Wayne Rooney’s assessment of West Ham is damning but also precise: what we’re seeing is more than just poor tactics or lack of fitness. It’s a collapse in confidence, a failure to defend the basics, and an increasing disillusionment with both performances and belief. Whether Potter can restore order and faith is now among the most pressing questions for the club. With results continuing to slide and frustration mounting among fans and players alike, time is fast running out.
