Thanks to Edson Álvarez and Mohammed Kudus, West Ham United concluded the group stage of the Europa League with a victory and group win. The duo was responsible for the 2-0 win against SC Freiburg. Manager David Moyes is delighted with his protégés.
David Moyes expressed immense satisfaction with the performances of Edson Álvarez and Mohammed Kudus, emphasizing their crucial roles in West Ham United's recent success in the Europa League.
Álvarez, who is still on the mend from a recent illness, impressed Moyes with his resilience and ability to contribute significantly despite his recovery. Kudus, on the other hand, has been a key player in scoring, demonstrating his prowess in front of the goal. Moyes highlighted the difficulty of maintaining consistency in the face of a demanding game schedule and praised both players for their adaptability and strong performances.
Moyes also spoke about the significant advantage of his team finishing as group winners in the Europa League. This accomplishment means that West Ham United avoids the additional strain of an intermediate round in the tournament, allowing the team to focus on other competitions and providing a much-needed respite in their busy schedule. He pointed out that this 'breathing space' in February is crucial, especially considering the relentless fixture congestion that teams face.
The manager didn't mince words about the current football schedule, which he finds excessively packed and challenging not only for the players but also for the coaching and support staff. Moyes expressed his concerns about the increasing number of games being scheduled, especially around the already busy Christmas period, calling it 'ridiculous'. He emphasized the strain this puts on teams, particularly those like West Ham United, which do not regularly participate in European competitions.
Despite these challenges, Moyes proudly noted the team's achievement in qualifying for Europe and winning their group for three consecutive years. This achievement, according to Moyes, is commendable for a team like West Ham, highlighting their growth and consistency in European football. This success is a testament to the team's hard work and Moyes' effective leadership, positioning West Ham United as a rising force in European football.