Declan Rice reveals what West Ham players did for David Moyes on his 1000th game
Declan Rice has revealed what the squad did for David Moyes on his 1000th game in management and had his say on the West Ham boss’ landmark achievement.
The West Ham star was speaking after his side’s well-earned but disappointing 2-2 draw at Genk on Thursday evening. Courtesy of results elsewhere, the Hammers’ place in the knockout stage was confirmed on the night, giving Moyes reason to celebrate as he marked 1000 games as a football manager.
After noting the positives but admitting the frustrations of the game, Rice was asked by BT Sport whether the squad had got together and given their boss something on the special occasion.
“We all signed a shirt for him to be fair,” Rice revealed. “It’s a fantastic achievement. I was speaking to him yesterday about it, he said he’d played like 600 games as a player and now 1000 as a manager.
“I said ‘are you not stressed?’,” Rice joked. “No, he’s a great guy and obviously to get to 1000 games is unbelievable for any manager. It’s just disappointing we couldn’t get that win for him tonight.”
The midfielder was questioned on Moyes’ best qualities and wasn’t hesitant on his response.
“I think just how he gets the best out of every player,” Rice said. “Away from the pitch, you can sit down and talk to him. He’s a really top guy. You can see we’re playing really well under him at the moment and it’s a really enjoyable place to play.”
Good vibes
It’s clear to see that West Ham is a place of bustling joy, determination and togetherness.
The simple fact that Rice and his team mates will have gone back into the dressing room disheartened at a 2-2 draw in the Europa League – when still sitting pretty at the top of the group – is evidence enough of how far they’ve come since entering a relegation dogfight under Manuel Pellegrini a couple of years ago.
The Hammers demand so much at the moment and are expectant of big things from themselves and those around them. This attitude, belief and strength in unity have been developed so strongly by Moyes.
The Scotsman has done incredible things as Hammers boss. From undertaking considered business in the transfer market to developing players from lower leagues or the youth system into top performers, and from getting a whole squad to play collectively brilliant football to transforming West Ham back into a hive of positivity.
He deserves all the praise he gets and, while a signed shirt is a nice touch, Rice and the rest of the players will be fully aware that maintaining the Hammers’ blistering form is the gift Moyes will be happiest with.
In other West Ham news, Said Benrahma dazzled Peter Dury and Martin Keown during the Hammers’ draw with Genk.