Vladimir Coufal wants to recreate ‘unbelievable’ feeling with West Ham United
Vladimir Coufal has claimed West Ham will challenge for European silverware again this season ahead of their Europa League clash with Backa Topola, as he shared the “unbelievable feeling” of winning in Prague.
The Hammers defender claimed fans treated the players like gods off the back of their Europa Conference League win last time out, and claimed he still bumps into people who thank him for his efforts on the pitch.
Now, the club are focusing on the Europa League, where he admits they want to challenge for further success this season as their campaign gets underway against Serbian outfit Backa Topola.
Speaking to the Evening Standard on 21 September, the Czech defender revealed: “I still meet people in coffee shops who come up and thank me for what we did in Prague.
“I love the culture of football here because people are obsessed. When you win a trophy for the fans, you are almost God to them.
“Two years ago, we went to the Europa League semi-final and were beaten by Frankfurt. In that moment I thought it was my last chance to get to a European final.
“But we got to one last year and we can get there this year. Why not?”
Creating a winning culture
Winning is just as much of a mindset as it is a result of the actions on the pitch. The players have to believe that they are capable of challenging for silverware, and under David Moyes, these West Ham players certainly seem to have adopted that culture.
The Europa Conference League victory last time out must have felt like just as much of a dream to the players as it did to the fans, and they will not want to let go of that winning feeling any time soon. The longer they can keep up this momentum, the better.
It has been an excellent start to the season for the Hammers so far, as they are still riding high on the back of their success despite plenty of claims it would affect their motivation, and Coufal in particular appears to be just as motivated as ever.
The draw has been somewhat kind to the Hammers, facing inexperienced opponents at home to kick off their campaign, but they will need to remain focused and not think too far ahead if they want to start with a victory.
In other West Ham news, the Hammers must move for an 18-year-old branded good enough for Barcelona.