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West Ham manager, David Moyes, has admitted that beating AZ Alkmaar and progressing through to the Europa Conference League Final would be his best achievement as a football manager after 25 years in management.
The ex-Everton and Manchester United boss has had some successful times as a manager but is yet to get his hands on any major silverware. He came close with Everton in 2009 when his side came runners-up to Chelsea in the FA Cup and he has been in countless quarter-finals and semi-finals over the years with Everton, Manchester United and West Ham.
The 60-year-old, who has had to battle for his job on several occasions this season, has said that reaching a European final would top the lot, though. Speaking to reporters before the first leg of West Ham’s clash with AZ Alkmaar, Moyes said:
“I think it would be my best achievement. A European final? It could be yeah. I was fortunate to get to a Champions League quarter-final with Manchester United, lost on penalty kicks in the quarter-finals of the Europa League with Everton. Last season, I was in a semi-final with West Ham. This year we’re in a semi-final again. So I want to try and take it one step further.
I refer back to the serial winner in Jose Mourinho. Winning this trophy was so special for him and his football club. If ever I needed someone to show how hard it is, it would be Jose. He treated it as if it was so important, there’s no way we’re treating it any less than that.”
The time of the season for big players to stand up
After beating Manchester United at the weekend, West Ham have effectively ensured Premier League safety. Although it is the first time in a number of years that the Hammers have been embroiled in a relegation fight, the board stuck by Moyes and their decision has been vindicated.
🗣 "I would say the board have been clever." 🧠
David Moyes on West Ham sticking by him during difficult times this season pic.twitter.com/zNO7gFQSlL
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) May 10, 2023
Now, with all eyes on the Europa Conference League, the season could go from being a potential disaster to one of the best in the club’s history. Speaking about the run-in, Moyes has said that it’s up to his big players to stand up and get them over the line. He said:
“Sir Alex Ferguson always used to talk about this being the time of the year when you had to be at your best. Having your best form at this time of the season is always a good thing. I do believe we are playing our best stuff right now and I think we can get much better. I hope we can do that in the coming games.”
Summer signings coming good at the right time
In the summer, West Ham made a number of big-money signings and it’s fair to say things didn’t start off too well for the majority of them. However, in recent weeks, we have started to see why Moyes brought in the likes of Lucas Paqueta and Nayef Aguerd to the club. Speaking about the form of his summer signings, Moyes said:
“I am beginning to see with what we signed, which were full internationals playing for their countries and boys who had talent and showing their worth in other leagues. Coming to the Premier League can make it difficult for people to settle. It’s not just us here, many clubs have the same situation.
But I do believe many of them are finding their way through and are beginning to understand it. Thankfully, we’re doing much better.”
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