Former Juventus star Angelo Ogbonna has defended himself after being hauled-off after 35 minutes during West Ham United’s 4-3 defeat against Bournemouth.
The centre-back arrived at the Boleyn Ground during the summer, moving to East London as a two-time Serie A champion and an Italian international.
However, transitioning to the Premier League can be notoriously difficult for foreign imports, and Ogbonna looks to be learning the hard way.
The stopper was taken off by Slaven Bilic at half time during the Hammers’ 4-3 defeat, having seemingly been singled-out following a disappointing first-half display in which the East Londoners fell 2-0 behind quickly.
Bilic’s decision clearly didn’t make much difference, as while the Irons managed to score three after the change, they didn’t improve defensively, and fell to defeat after conceding two late goals.
After the match, the defender took to Twitter in order to defend himself, disagreeing with the manager’s decision to haul him off.
Haunted and unhappy match! I have to accept the coach’s decisions but I was disappointed when i had to go back to the bench after 35′ #WHUFC
— Angelo Ogbonna (@OgbonnaOfficial) August 22, 2015
I was not playing badly. However I don’t give up, we don’t give up! #WHUFC #WHUBOU
— Angelo Ogbonna (@OgbonnaOfficial) August 22, 2015
After a strong start to the campaign—they beat Arsenal 2-0 on the opening day—the Hammers have lost momentum, and their loss to Bournemouth comes on the back of a 2-1 home defeat to Leicester City.
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