Declan Rice says West Ham United are full of positivity heading into the Premier League clash with Leeds United, despite their five game winless run. The Hammers have dropped down the table to 17th in that time and sit just above the relegation zone on goal difference after their 2-0 defeat to Brentford.
However, despite their lowly league position, Rice claims West Ham are refusing to label themselves as being in a relegation battle. The midfielder says his side must remain positive in order to kick on heading into the clash with Leeds at Elland Road later this week.
The Hammers have struggled to scored goals so far this season, and that was no different last time out against Brentford.
READ MORE: West Ham defender lays down mantle ahead of Leeds United clash
“As bizarre as it sounds with the result, the first half is as good as we have played this season. We passed really well, we just lacked cutting edge. They scored two goals, we couldn't put the ball in the back of the net," Rice told Football London.
“It's really frustrating, we highlighted throw-ins as a strength of theirs. Their second one, one throw, one ball over the top, and it's in the net. In all my time at West Ham, we haven't conceded a goal as easy as that.
“Inside the changing room heads were not down at all. We just couldn't get that extra goal. In games like this you need to score, keep applying pressure, and credit to Brentford they stopped us.
“This is West Ham, it's a massive club. Where we are in the table isn't good enough, we need to be doing better, we are letting ourselves down, our manager down and our fans down. It doesn't feel real being in the position we are but that's the reality.
“When you're down at the bottom with the games played, people will say it's a relegation battle. But if you have that mindset, it makes everything frantic. It's not like that at all, everything is so positive. We've got to stay positive.”
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