The West Ham manager David Moyes was in a very buoyant mood for this morning’s press conference ahead of the game against Leeds. Indeed, he was actually smiling !
Last night’s win in Holland has changed the mood around the club in a big way as we head into a game which sees Sam Allardyce looking for his first win since taking over at Elland Road.
He was well relieved for the first time in many months as he described his own, and the feelings of the players following the victory.
He explained that the win was more than just a win because it gets you to a final of a European competition that is a very special occasion. He agreed he was thrilled.
He is also delighted for the owners of the club because they did say there were going to bring European football back to the London Stadium and that the squad has now now brought them a European final.
Speaking after the game he said: ” I knew we probably wouldn’t have a lot of possession. We’ve not been a side this season whose had it as much as we’d like but there’s different ways to win football matches.
We did a really good job , we were really organised, we had a good defensive structure when we needed it.
He admitted that in many ways it was the greatest moment of his career adding when asked: “Yes, probably in many ways. We’ve got one more to go and see if we can win. We’re thrilled, so you have to say we’ve done a really good job in Europe this season and I’m really please.
As Hughie pointed out in a previous post, despite our misgivings, you cannot really begrudge a manager who has taken us to our first European final for 47 years
He did everything possible to make it as hard for the team. Poor tactics, poor selections against a very average team who basically outplayed us according to all the stats. Nothing to do with him all to do with the players and their determination to get over the line despite the managers decisions and tactics..