Vladimír Coufal says West Ham United will stick together as they aim to hit their early season heights once again.
The Hammers suffered a frustrating 3-2 loss to Southampton at London Stadium on Boxing Day, twice cancelling out Saints leads but eventually falling to defeat to Jan Bednarek’s 70th minute header.
For Coufal, the concession of three goals was the biggest blow of an afternoon he wants to put quickly behind the east Londoners, with a trip to Watford following swiftly on Tuesday.
“It was a difficult afternoon and difficult to accept,” he said. “We lost at home and it’s not acceptable to concede three times.
“Twice we were back in the game and it shouldn’t happen [to lose this way], but we have to keep going and be focused on Watford.
“We have had a good season and are still up in the table but we have to take back our basic things – do them properly and we have to be better defensively, as well as being more clinical in attack.
“These are basic things, but sometimes it happens [like this].”
Twice we were back in the game and it shouldn’t happen [to lose this way], but we have to keep going and be focused on Watford
Vladimír Coufal
Coufal remains confident that the Hammers can bounce back at Vicarage Road before the New Year, with their team spirit ensuring they will stick together.
“We have to keep fighting together,” he added. “In this period the schedule is like any other Christmas period in the Premier League, but unfortunately this time is more difficult because some teams have a rest, some teams are playing.
“I’m sure there will be a good atmosphere with our fans at Watford and we need to stay together and positive.”