David Moyes is understandably elated with his side after reaching the clubs first European Final in 47 years.
West Ham headed into the away leg against AZ with a narrow advantage, but Moyes’ side gave the home side very few opportunities to level the game thanks to a defensive masterclass. In what was a nervy affair, Pablo Fornals grabbed a late winner to send West Ham all the way to Prague in what could be their first trophy in 43 years.
Moyes has been under more scrutiny than anyone else at West Ham this season but, with all he’s done over the past few years, no one deserves this more than him. ‘For us to get to a final is a thrill’, he told WHUFC.com. ‘There are huge scenes in the dressing room. There’s great elation for something the Club hasn’t done in a long time.’
While there have been points of high tension between him and the supporters, the Scotsman has been singing his praises for the East London faithful lately and tonight was no different. ‘The support tonight was magnificent, they were right behind the whole team and players and I hope on Sunday against Leeds United they give them a huge, warm welcome,’ he exclaimed.
While nothing is more important than the result, Moyes did ask questions of the performance. ‘Was I overly pleased with the performance?’ He believes his side ‘didn’t play well with the ball’ but was ecstatic with the defensive display.
‘It’s difficult to explain how I feel tonight’ he admitted. While it’s an amazing achievement for him and the club he knows the job is far from done. ‘I have to go and win a final. That’s the next bit.’ The celebrations carried on through the night for most fans but the players had to quickly compose themselves as David demanded they were back at Rush Green today to start preparation for the Leeds game.
He admitted that he was ‘frightened’ by AZ’s impressive undefeated run at home in Europe but that didn’t stop his side from grabbing an injury time goal to end that run.
From a personal point of view he was, evidently, delighted, saying ‘I’ve been in football and a manager for a long time and you don’t get loads and loads of big opportunities’, adding that ‘to actually get to a final is something which doesn’t happen in many managers’ lifetimes!
‘I’m really pleased with the last two years of European football and it’s a chance for us to be in Europe again. We’re one game away from being back and we’ve just got to keep our record up and see if we can do it.’
With West Ham playing Fiorentina in the final, it goes to prove that this competition isn’t easy pickings. The Hammers will be in for an extremely tough time and they must be careful not to take this great opportunity for granted.
Not only would it be the first trophy for West Ham in 43 years, it would be David Moyes’ first major trophy in his managerial career. While there are games remaining in the league, I think it’s safe to say everyone’s mind is on the 7th June. Can these players cement their names as Legends in East London for eternity?
Written by Charlie Bass
