Where for many English football clubs only participation in the Champions League counts, it is different for West Ham United. The Londoners eliminated AZ in the semi-finals of the Conference League last month and are now only too happy to win the third European club tournament. The Conference League also feels like a chance for a grand prize for opponent Fiorentina.
It has been a long time since West Ham and Fiorentina were successful in Europe. Fiorentina won the European Cup II in 1961, West Ham did so in 1965. The English club invested heavily in the selection last summer and is now the seventh club in England in terms of turnover. Performance lags behind. West Ham finished 14th in the Premier League this season.
“We play in England in perhaps the strongest league. It is not self-evident to qualify for European football. That’s why we have to take this opportunity,” said trainer David Moyes about Wednesday’s final in Prague. The winner of the final qualifies for the group stage of the Europa League. West Ham United stranded last season in the semi-final of the Europa League against Eintracht Frankfurt, the later winner. “We can use that as motivation now,” said Moyes.
Notable players from West Ham’s 1965 squad include Bobby Moore, Geoff Hurst and Martin Peters. “I don’t know if we will ever get a statue as we are talking about three England legends and West Ham legends,” said Moyes. “But a new generation of young supporters is developing in East London. Now if we can give them something to believe in, that they can reach a final and even win a final, that would only be positive. I really believe that the players of today have a great opportunity to be remembered by everyone at this club.”
For striker Jarrad Bowen, it feels like the biggest game of his career. ,I played international matches for England, but I think this means more. We have all achieved this together and now we have the chance to win a cup. It would mean a lot to us and our fans.”
Fiorentina, which eliminated FC Twente in the conference league play-offs in August, is holding on to a strong end to the competition. Of the last fifteen league matches, the team of coach Vincenzo Italiano won nine and four ended in a draw. “We know the qualities of West Ham United, but we hope to have found some weak spots,” said Italiano.
Program Conference League
Listen to all our football podcasts here
Watch all our football videos here
Free unlimited access to Showbytes? Which can!
Log in or create an account and don’t miss a thing of the stars.