Jeremie Aliadiere is baffled as to why he is being overlooked by West Ham United.
Jeremie Aliadiere is baffled as to why he is being overlooked by West Ham United manager Alan Pardew.The French striker is spending the season on loan at Upton Park from Arsenal after cutting short a similar arrangement with Celtic.
But Aliadiere has made just six appearances for The Hammers - all as a substitute - and is becoming frustrated with his lot.
Aliadiere claims Pardew wants him to play in a role just off the main striker, but in the recent absence of Teddy Sheringham, West Ham have opted to pair Marlon Harewood with Bobby Zamora.
The situation is causing Aliadiere some consternation and the 22-year-old can not understand Pardew's stance.
"I am in good shape, everything is fine and this time I am not injured," Aliadiere told L'Equipe. "But I don't play.
"The coach sees me as a number 10 that plays behind the forward and he never plays with a number 10. He doesn't want me to play in attack.
"I can't understand it and David Bellion is in the same situation. He played more often at Manchester United than at West Ham!"
Aliadiere started off the season at Celtic, but made only two appearances in the UEFA Champions League for The Bhoys before returning to London.
He remains bitter about that brief period in his career, but with a long-term contract at Highbury, Aliadiere remains hopeful he can make it with Arsenal.
The youngster added: "At Celtic I played in all the matches until our Champions League elimination in August.
"Then they didn't want to pay my wages anymore. They did everything to make me leave.
"Now, I am 22-years-old and so I at least want to play every weekend. If I can make my career at Arsenal, I will make it."
