West Ham United boss Manuel Pellegrini has said that 'it is always important to play at home' as the Hammers prepare to welcome Bournemouth to the London Stadium this weekend.

Pellegrini's reign as West Ham boss started with a 4-0 defeat at Liverpool, but the London outfit will have the chance to return to winning ways when they host the Cherries on Saturday afternoon.

The former Manchester City boss is also confident that the West Ham fans will be fully behind the team despite some of the issues at the London Stadium last term.

"It's a stadium that some may have criticised last season for the performance of the team but it's always important to play at home," Pellegrini told reporters.

"We have a beautiful stadium. I hope the players won't be as tired as they were last week and get our first three points. Every fan demands the best from their team. The West Ham fans always support us, sometimes they have more patience than than other times, but all fans demanding good results.

"I don't think we're going to have any problem with the fans. Whether at home or away I believe any team has the personality to go for the three points."

West Ham won seven, drew six and lost six of their 19 home Premier League matches last season.