Joe Cole ‘delighted’ with West Ham draw v Lyon in Europa League
Joe Cole has admitted that he’s ‘delighted’ by the Europa League draw after West Ham were paired up with French side Lyon.
After overcoming six-time winners Sevilla after extra-time on Thursday, the Hammers have progressed to the quarter-final stage for the first time.
Cole, who played for the Hammers and also played in Ligue 1 for Lille, told BT Sport he thinks the draw is very good for David Moyes’ side and believes that the French side aren’t what they once were.
“I’m absolutely delighted (with West Ham’s draw),” he said.
“It could have been the glamour tie against Barcelona, and I think Rangers got the plum tie with Braga.
“But I think Lyon are struggling in France. They’re not what they were, and with the carrot of a Barcelona semi-final it sets it up lovely.
“It’s a lovely place to go. Brilliant stadium, history, and the West Ham fans would be booking their trip already I would imagine.”
Favourites
West Ham will feel that they are the favourites heading into the quarter-final clash with Lyon considering how their seasons have gone this year.
Moyes’ side have been battling for a top four place all season in the Premier League and did well in the cup competitions too, while Lyon are struggling in tenth in Ligue 1 after a poor campaign.
The second leg being in France is definitely not ideal, but a big performance in the first leg at the London Stadium could put the game out of site before they even go to Lyon.
It’s important to note that Moyes has no intention of prioritising the tournament over the league based on his comments recently, but that could prove to be a good thing.
It means the squad will be kept sharp and focused, meaning their rhythm will be maintained and they should be peaking at the perfect time.
In other West Ham news, ‘Drained’ – Paul Merson predicts result of West Ham clash v Tottenham