David Moyes said he was keen to reach the first European final of his 25-year coaching career after guiding West Ham United to the Conference League title with a 3-1 aggregate win against AZ Alkmaar on Thursday.
West Ham have not reached a European final since the 1976 UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup and their clash against Fiorentina in Prague on 7 June will give the London side the chance to lift their first major trophy since the FA Cup 43 years ago.
Reaching the European final is the silver lining of a disappointing season for West Ham, with Moyes’ future looking uncertain at one point in the Premier League’s relegation zone, although he has subsequently moved into the Premier League’s safety zone. .
“We’ve basically kept each other safe and we’re also in a final with a chance to win a trophy, so a lot of positives have come out,” said Moyes after the 1-0 second leg win.
“I’ve been in football and coaching for a long time and you don’t have many great opportunities.”
“Reaching a final is something that doesn’t happen in the life of many coaches. I’m thrilled to have played in one or two, this is my first European and it’s something I’m very happy with.”
Although West Ham have struggled in the Premier League this season, they are unbeaten in continental tournaments with 13 wins and one draw.
For Moyes this is another chance to conquer Europe, having reached the semi-finals of last season’s Europa League when the team were eliminated by Eintracht Frankfurt.
Source: Terra
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
