David Moyes admits Hammers weren’t good enough
David Moyes admitted the Hammers weren’t good enough against Freiburg and was pretty disgusted with the goal we gave away. He didn’t name Edson Alvarez for gifting the Germans a fortunate goal but was quick to agree that we hadn’t played well and was not happy with the squad at half time.
At the end of the game of course the lads looked to have left their shooting boots at Goodison Park after Bowen, Paqueta and Mavropanos missed big chances but failed to make them pay on a night when in other circumstances one might have been followed by two or three more.
He declared that the squad had tried to make sure we gave ourselves a really good result to take back to London Stadium and I thought for long periods it was going to be that way but now face a second leg which is set to be a whole lot tighter.
He told the after match presser: “We’ve missed chances. Jarrod missed a chance in the first half when Mo played him, Paquetá had a header at the back post, and then the ‘keeper made a big save from Jarrod, so we had big opportunities tonight. Then we had a penalty claim at the end which on other days might go for us but it didn’t tonight.
There were so many things on the pitch that felt as if we didn’t come out on top on all of them. We were second to every ball tonight and I don’t know if we’re frightened of the way referees referee games sometimes, but we came out second on so many things and we ended up losing the game narrowly. But we have a chance in the second leg, that’s for sure.
We’ll need to play better next week than we did tonight. I was really surprised we didn’t reach the standards and some of the players were below where we would expect them to be. We gave the ball away far too much and in Europe it’s more difficult [to get it back].
In the second half we played much better and created some opportunities and found things, but the goal was a sickener, to be honest.
I hope we’ll use the penalty decision as motivation next week. If we’d had it given against us, we’d probably think it was harsh, but ultimately I have to say what are you doing with your hands above your head?
They’re trying to claim their might have been a slight push and that’s why it wasn’t given, but they should have restarted the game with a free-kick if they said it was a push. It certainly wasn’t enough of a push to warrant a free-kick, so that shouldn’t mean that it should even come into consideration. The boy has two arms above his head.
In the Premier League, I’m not sure that would be given, but in UEFA competitions in Europe they’re normally given by the referees. I watch Spanish football and German football and nearly every handball is seen.
If you think of the one we had against Kurt [Zouma at Everton] the other day, but we just have to take it and move on.
I’m not worried about turning the tie around, but I am worried about us getting back into right good form and at the levels they need to be to make the difference. I’m looking forward to the game next week and bring it on and let’s see how we go.
Hello Roy Hodgson are you well enough to be a Caretaker Manager ? Mr Nice guy with his European experience would be invaluable and would calm and reunite the team.