MY ACCOUNT
West Ham captain Declan Rice admits he has had to learn how to deal with stern criticism from manager David Moyes.
Rice has developed into one of the Premier League’s best midfielders during his time with the Hammers, establishing himself as a fully-fledged England regular and attracting interest from a host of English and European giants.
Despite that, the East Londoners have endured an overall disappointing season in 2022-23 as they battle against relegation in 17th.
The playmaker has revealed how even he is not exempt from criticism from the straight-talking Glaswegian while also hailing the key role his boss has played in his growth as a player.
On Moyes, the 24-year-old told BT Sport: “He’s massive. I’ve obviously had him in two spells. He’s constantly wanting me to improve and wanting me to be a leader and do more.
“When he criticises me still now, I’ve learnt to take it on the chin.
“He doesn’t care. He says it how it is. If I’m not playing well here [London Stadium], at half-time or after the game he’ll dig me out in front of everyone.
“For the standards I set myself, even if I missed a pass I used to beat myself up all the time and I remember Nobes [Mark Noble] pulling me and saying, ‘Stop doing that, get on with it’.
“I said, ‘Yeah, you know what, you’re right’.”
Rice was handed the captain’s armband on a full-time basis at the start of this season, taking over from retired Hammers legend Mark Noble.
The Three Lions ace remarked just how much he learned from the former stalwart’s style as skipper and admitted he still has a lot to learn in the role.
Rice added: “To be fair, I’m not one who’s going to go and dig people out and shout at people but if I need to say something, I will say something.
“It’s about growth, about learning and about helping your team-mates.
“I’ve obviously had the best captain here, Nobes. He’s like a man manager really but as a player and how he deals with certain situations, I’ve never seen anything like it.
“Of course, I’m still 24. I’ve got a lot to learn. I’m still learning but I’m loving every minute of it.”
A slight upturn in fortunes has seen West Ham win three of their last five games in all competitions.
Still, the Irons sit just a point above the relegation zone ahead of their home clash with Chelsea on Saturday lunchtime.
They also welcome relegation rivals Nottingham Forest to the London Stadium later this month with an away trip to Tottenham scheduled in between.
And Rice has stressed just how important a role the Hammers faithful will have to play ahead of those potentially crucial clashes.
He said: “Standing in that tunnel and getting to walk out on the pitch. You just visualise it. The fans are so passionate. You just want to go out there and do it for them.
“For the games we’ve got coming up. They’re big ones and I’m sure they’re going to be in full voice.
“Leading the team out and seeing all the bubbles coming out, it never gets old. It’s a feeling you can’t describe.”
Watch West Ham vs Chelsea exclusively live on BT Sport 1, coverage starting at 11.30am on Saturday, February 11. Learn more at bt.com/sport
