Tomas Soucek Desperate For Spirit of Sevilla To Lift West Ham

West Ham midfielder Tomáš Souček has issued a rallying cry to supporters ahead of Sunday’s must-win clash against Leeds United.

The Czech midfielder has attempted to reignite memories of that iconic Europa League night against Sevilla at the London Stadium.

That game has gone down in West Ham folklore and is regularly spoken about as the loudest and best atmosphere the former Olympic venue has produced since the Hammers moved there.

I was there that night and honestly, it was incredible.

And if we’re being truthful, I’m not sure anything has quite matched it since.

Many supporters understandably point towards the Europa Conference League final win against Fiorentina in Prague.

But of course, that was at a neutral venue.

Sunday Could Rival Sevilla Night

So in terms of matches actually played at the London Stadium, Sunday’s 4pm kick-off could genuinely be one of the biggest the ground has ever hosted because Premier League survival is on the line.

As for Soucek — who has been an outstanding servant since joining from Slavia Prague — he is desperate to hear that same noise again.

“I understand the fans are frustrated.

“I am also frustrated because I don’t want to be in this position, and they want the best of us.

“If they didn’t care, it would be bad.

“Hopefully London Stadium can be as loud as it was against Sevilla.”

Fans Will Play Their Part

I actually think the fact West Ham have unexpectedly been handed one final opportunity to survive will completely change the atmosphere compared to what it would have been had relegation already been confirmed.

So I fully expect the supporters to be right behind the team from the first whistle.

But after that, it becomes the responsibility of Nuno Espírito Santo and the players to give everybody something to get behind.

And hopefully create enough tension and energy that people start nervously checking their phones over in North London during Tottenham Hotspur’s game against Everton.