Football

Europa Conference League Final the ‘Biggest Moment’ of Moyes’ Coaching Career

June 7, 2023 3:18 pm

West Ham United’s remarkable journey in the Europa Conference League has defied all odds. Considering their struggle in the relegation slots throughout the Premier League campaign, they have reached their first European final since 1976.

The Hammers earned their right to play in the third-tier European cup competition courtesy of their seventh-place finish last season. They struggled for goals and consistency in the current campaign, despite an outlay of over $170 million. However, all eyes will be towards Prague as they take on the challenge of Fiorentina in the final.

West Ham’s Miraculous Europa Conference League Journey

Their current adventures have seen the travel across Europe, from the Danish backwaters to the Romanian capital. They overcame challenges in Belgium and the Netherlands while triumphing in the picturesque isle of Cyprus.

While victories were hard to come by in the Premier League, David Moyes spearheaded an impressive Conference League campaign that saw them triumph in 13 out of 14 games, with one draw.

Their 2022/23 campaign reaches its climax in Prague, where they will face off against Fiorentina. This momentous occasion marks the end of an adventure and, perhaps, the end of an era for West Ham.

For their esteemed manager, David Moyes, it presents an opportunity to realize a lifelong ambition and ascend to the summit of European football. Reflecting on his illustrious career, Moyes acknowledged the significance of this moment, emphasizing that coaching in a European final is one of the pinnacle experiences for any coach, regardless of their tenure in the profession.

Despite his eagerness to take the next step by clinching victory, the former Everton and Manchester United manager admitted the challenge posed by their formidable opponents and anticipates a tough game ahead.

“I’ve had a really good career,’ the Scot shared. “Coaching since I was 34 or 35, over a thousand games in football and maybe 600 in the Premier League. I’ve been in some finals and had some promotions, but this is the biggest moment.

“It is for any coach, new or old. To coach in a European final is one of the pinnacles. It is slightly surreal because I’ve watched a lot of football, all the big games and was part of UEFA’s technical committee.

“But to turn up as a manager and have your own dressing room, to know your team are performing here, is a big thrill for me. I really hope I can take it to the next level, which is winning, but I’m up against a really good opponent. I know it’ll be a tough game.”

Back to the Drawing Board

History or not, West Ham will have to reconsider their path moving forward. While Moyes was the bookmakers’ favourite to lose his job in January, he defied the odds to deliver Premier League continuity to them.

The board put their trust in the Scotsman and he repaid the faith in him. Triumphing in the final will extend his tenure at the London Stadium. However, he will be on a short leash given his inability to assimilate their star signings into the current squad.

Both Danny Ings and Gianluca Scamacca had horror showings in a West Ham jersey. They were supposed to ensure Hammers’ transition from reliance on Michail Antonio but the 33-year-old has been the one to get them here despite his own personal struggles.

As the vultures surround Moyes, the club have been linked with plenty of targets to take over from him. Marco Silva, Graham Potter, Brendan Rodgers and Paulo Fonseca, all have been linked with the West Ham job, to usher them in a new direction after punching above their weight with Moyes.

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