Lukasz Fabianksi shares why West Ham United have edge over Bayer Leverkusen in Europa League
Lukasz Fabianksi thinks West Ham United’s European experience will help them secure a positive result against Bayer Leverkusen.
David Moyes’ squad went unbeaten in Europe as the Hammers won the Conference League in June 2023. This saw them win against experienced outfits like AZ Alkmaar, Anderlecht and Fiorentina.
In his pre-match press conference on 17 April, as transcribed by Football London, Fabianski says his side will have to lean on their own experience to beat Leverkusen.
He said: “I would say we have to believe. We have experienced already some games under pressure when it comes to European competitions – in the previous rounds and in the previous years. We have managed to create some special magical evenings so hopefully tomorrow will be a similar situation.
“We want to have as big a group as we can because we have really good players within the team and within the squad.”
How can West Ham beat Bayer Leverkusen?
In Europe this season, ties don’t come much tougher than Xabi Alonso’s side given their amazing form. They haven’t lost in the current campaign and their last defeat came in May 2023 against Bochum.
This has seen them win the Bundesliga for the first time in their history and dethrone Bayern Munich.
They play an intense, attacking brand of football which Moyes and Co. felt the brunt of on Thursday (11 April). According to FotMob, the home side had 73 per cent possession and 33 shots while the Hammers had just one.
In the first leg of the quarter-final, West Ham opted for a defensive setup which worked for 83 minutes until Jonas Hofman scored.
With Leverkusen now ready to travel to the London Stadium, a more attacking tactic needs to be adopted as they chase a 2-0 deficit.
Jarrod Bowen may be ready to return from injury just in time for the clash which could prove to make a huge difference. If he can get on the ball and get some chances, Moyes’ men have the best possible chance of an upset and comeback.
In other West Ham news, Manchester City are understood to be “doing everything” they can to secure a transfer for Lucas Paqueta this summer
For more West Ham news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.