Thilo Kehrer has stated his side’s desire to bounce back from their defeat in Greece and to start another unbeaten run.
West Ham’s defeat to Olympiacos was their first loss in Europe since May 2022. The 17-game unbeaten streak is the longest of any English team in European football.
Unfortunately, the Hammers were simply not up to the task of competing in such a hostile environment and were simply second best for much of the game. However, Thilo Kehrer believes that the away side improved greatly in the second half. lIn the first half, we couldn’t really find our rhythm or get a hold of the game or create chances,” he stated to the club’s Official Website. “We tried, but we weren’t really effective. We reacted well after not having a good first half and, in the end, I thought it was a tight game. We tried to get the second and equalise, but we have to say ‘Congrats’ to Olympiacos tonight.”
“We’re planning to pick up our winning run when we play them at home in two weeks’ time. That unbeaten run we had in Europe was special and to see the reaction of the team tonight after they won the game proved how difficult it is to beat us in Europe in the last two years.”
“We’re planning to get on another run like that and keeping first place in the group and we’re planning to get back on a run like that as soon as possible,” the defender confirmed”
The German international was full of praise for the Greek fans but didn’t blame the loss on the electric atmosphere.”You feel the fans are very enthusiastic and very emotional.”
“We were prepared for that,” he added, “and knew what was coming, and I think their stadium held up all our expectations tonight.”
After being without the East London faithful in Freiburg, Kehrer concluded by expressing his delight in having away fans back in Europe. “We’re happy to have our fans with us again, too. Everyone says how special our support is and it really is. Every game we have them, and especially away from home it’s important for us. They way they do it, up against a whole stadium, backing us as a Club and as a team is really special.”
It certainly was not the result anyone was hoping for, but it is crucial the boys bounce back in the reverse fixture in two weeks time to ensure we are in a strong position to finish top of our group.
By Charlie Bass
