West Ham United manager David Moyes hints he is making contingency plans in case the Conference League Final against Fiorentina goes to penalties. ‘I’ve got my thoughts, but I won’t reveal them.’
It kicks off on Wednesday at 20.00 UK time (19.00 GMT) in Prague.
Whatever happens, it’ll be a whole new era for the winning team, because Fiorentina have not lifted a European trophy since the 1961 Cup Winners’ Cup, while the Hammers took the same trophy in 1965.
“I’ve had a really good career since I started coaching at 35. Over a thousand matches, been in some finals, had some promotions,” Moyes told reporters.
“But this is the biggest moment. To be a coach for as long as I’ve been, you’re obviously doing something right. It’s great to be sitting here in a European final, for any manager it’s a thrill, one of the pinnacles you can get in football as a coach,” he added.
“Hopefully it’s the start. I’ve always said the best years are still to come and I’m certainly enjoying the moment and being here.”
It is going to be a tough one to call, as West Ham have won all but one of their games in the Conference League proper this season, while the Viola had at one point nine wins in a row.
Italy international Gianluca Scamacca is the only injury absentee for the Premier League side, but there have been reports Moyes is keeping a substitution slot empty in case it goes to penalties, as Lukasz Fabianski is a specialist from spot-kicks.
Nonetheless, Alphonse Areola is expected to start between the posts.
“We’ve got those thoughts. It’s about planning, I’ve got my thoughts – but won’t reveal them if you don’t mind,” smiled the coach.
“I think you’re continuously thinking about how we’re going to play, how we’ll cause problems and how they’ll cause us problems.
“But I also think having Plan B and Plan C is important. The most important thing is being prepared and doing the things that got you to this place in the first place.
“It’s a big achievement to get through to a European final. It’s not easy to get all the way through and we’ve been competitive. It’s a great achievement for all the players and the next part is to see if we can go on and win it.”