West Ham United: David Moyes must ‘go out fighting’ v Bayer Leverkusen, they could be ‘battered’
Frank McAvennie has told David Moyes he must let his players off the reins as West Ham face Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League quarter-final second leg on 18 April.
Having fallen to a late 2-0 defeat in Germany, the Hammers will be looking to overturn that defeat, but McAvennie insists they will not do that by playing defensive football.
He explained that Moyes’ side has nothing to lose at this stage, so the boss will have to change the mentality he took up in Germany and let the players express themselves.
McAvennie – speaking exclusively to West Ham Zone – also suggested that Leverkusen’s mentality may have slipped after they lifted the Bundesliga title in between the two European legs.
“Of course, they’ve got a chance. Score a goal early doors. They might still be celebrating winning the league, their heads could be battered with that, so I think we’ve got a chance,” McAvennie insisted.
“But he’s got to let them off the reins and he’s got to let them go and play. They can’t defend. If they get beat, they get beat, but go out fighting.“
David Moyes verdict emerges as West Ham face Bayer Leverkusen
After the 2-0 defeat in the first leg, Moyes has come in for renewed criticism as a result of the negative style of play as his team registered just one shot all game, with McAvennie questioning the manager’s decision and calling for him to go out with dignity.
The same has been stated ahead of the second leg with calls for a more front-footed approach after Michail Antonio was left without any support going forward in Germany.
With the possibility that Leverkusen’s minds may still be on their title success, Moyes must make sure he sets up his team to take advantage.
The absence of Lucas Paqueta and Jarrod Bowen unlikely to start will come as a blow to the Hammers’ chances and attacking creativity should Moyes decide to take the game to the German Champions.
One thing is for sure though, the Hammers cannot afford to sit back and allow Leverkusen to come onto them again. With a two-goal deficit already looking difficult to overturn, the only way to do so is by attacking from the first minute.
In other West Ham news, Atletico Madrid are looking to sell one striker amid interest.
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