David Moyes insists West Ham United will ‘be in the mix’ for European qualification this season despite poor start
Despite currently sitting 14th in the Premier League, David Moyes insists he’s more confident of West Ham challenging for Europe than fighting for safety.
West Ham’s start to the season didn’t quite go to plan, but the Hammers are now beginning to find form and climb the table.
Their next test comes against Bournemouth, who sit one place above them in the league with 13 points. Victory on Monday would ensure that West Ham leapfrogs them.
However, even with a win West Ham would still find themselves in the bottom half of the table. But even after their poor start, Moyes is eyeing up European qualification this season.
“I have thought about challenging for Europe and my wording is not going to change,” said Moyes ahead of the Cherries clash, as quoted by Claret & Hugh.
“I still think we will be in the mix come the end of the season for European football, I really do.
“I think we have a good team. We need other bits to go for us, I probably sound like a whinging manager but we have had some real poor calls in the last month or so, starting at Chelsea.
“I’m sure other clubs feel the same but we feel we have had some real big ones that stand out that haven’t gone our way.”
Positivity
Despite labelling himself a “whinging manager”, it’s good to see Moyes taking a positive outlook this season.
The Hammers were extremely poor at the start of the campaign, but signings seem to be settling in and the team has now found a rhythm.
The loss against Liverpool was a real stumbling block, but before that West Ham went unbeaten for three games. On top of that, they can take confidence from their 100% record in the Europa Conference League.
With the depth of the squad now improved following a summer of spending, the Hammers are now well-equipped to tackle European football so it’s good to hear that it’s still Moyes’ target this season.
A difficult trip to Old Trafford is on the horizon next week, so three points against the Cherries feels crucial if the Hammers are to head to the World Cup still confident of achieving their goals.
Plus, with the progression to the knockouts already secured in the Europa Conference League, all focus should now be directed towards the Premier League.