By support

26th Oct, 2016 | 3:19pm

Simone Zaza sheds light on why West Ham have struggled this season

By Harvey Byrne

Simone Zaza has revealed that it’s not easy for so many players to settle into a new team, which has caused West Ham problems in the early stages of the new campaign.

The east London side added 11 senior players to their team in the summer, with Slaven Bilic looking at the Europa League, which demands a lot from a squad.

However, they were knocked out in Europe at the play-off stage, losing 2-1 to Romanian outfit Astra Giurgiu on aggregate.

They have since struggled in the Premier League and sit in 15th with just three wins from their first nine matches falling alongside one draw and five losses.

The Italian, Zaza, who also move to the London stadium in the summer believes that it shouldn’t be “understated” that the Hammers have brought so many new players to their side in the summer and that it’s not easy for the new players to settle.

“Well, the game is much more physical here and there is less emphasis on tactics,” said Zaza to the official club website when talking about the difference between the Premier League and Serie A.

“The game is non-stop for the whole 90 minutes and the other aspect that shouldn’t be understated is the fact that West Ham have got many new players this season.

“It’s not easy for so many players to settle in and get to know each other in such a short space of time.”

Zaza, 25, has so far struggled himself in Bilic’s team since joining from Juventus on loan.

He has remained goalless in seven appearances for the Hammers after signing with a big reputation.

The Hammers will face fierce rivals Chelsea in the EFL Cup on Wednesday evening.

They are currently unbeaten in three fixtures, with two victories and they will be hoping to continue their winning form after the slow start.

In other West Ham news, co-owner David Gold has revealed that Andre Ayew could make a return to the side on Wednesday.