Vladimir Coufal has spoken exclusively to The West Ham Way’s Dave Walker & ExWHUEmployee in a revealing interview.

The former Hammers defender, who now plays for German side Hoffenheim, spent 5 years in east London and was a key member of the squad which brought the club European glory in 2023.

“It was such a huge move for me when I came to West Ham”, said Coufal. “Tomas (Soucek) was already here and was key to making it happen, with us regularly on the phone hoping a deal would go through.

“I joined and signed my contract on the same day of my sons birthday, so it was just a magical time.

“Settling in London though wasn’t easy at first, however Mark Noble was amazing for me. Straight away he gave me his number and if I needed anything like booking a table at the restaurant, Mark would sort it for us.

“Declan Rice, Aaron Cresswell and Michail Antonio were also there to help me, it made me feel welcome and settle into a new life.

Coufal though admitted that the training facilities at West Ham are not up to par and nowhere near what he is now experiencing at Hoffenheim.

“Where I am now we have everything, honestly it’s incredible. A place players want to be at to develop, its amazing – the best I have experienced. I truly believe this is what West Ham need. The boys would love it and would enjoy being there.”

The Czech international also shared his thoughts on the captaincy situation at the club, with Jarrod Bowen wearing the armband during a tough time for the club.

“Bowen is now captain and he’s carrying this team at times a lot,” added Coufal. “It not easy as a lot of big personalities have gone, but Bowen is doing so well.

“I have a great relationship with him and the club would be in huge trouble without him.

“Declan Rice was captain of course for some time and he’s a player I now think is the best in the world in his position. He’s a top guy and even now is still in contact.

“Rice wasn’t as vocal as Mark Noble in the dressing room, but he was on the pitch! When I think back to Kurt Zouma as captain, I think he struggled at times as it wasn’t easy.

“Zouma was a big personality, but being captain was a big ask for him.”

We’ll have more from this interview in the coming days, with Coufal sharing thoughts on our European glory, David Moyes & more.