As West Ham gear up for a daunting clash against league leaders Liverpool at the London Stadium, Konstantinos Mavropanos seemed surprisingly optimistic. Speaking ahead of the match, the Greek international highlighted the importance of belief and the home crowd.
“Liverpool are a phenomenal team, no doubt,” Mavropanos admitted. “But when we’re at our best, especially with our fans roaring us on at home, we’ve proven we can upset the odds. If we give everything, we can take something from this game.”
The Hammers fans know it’ll take something very special to bet Arne Slot’s high flyers, but Mavropanos’s words suggest the squad isn’t shying away from the challenge. Obviously I’d not expect the well drilled press savvy players to say anything other than positive words ahead of a game but Dinos certainly sounds confident.
Manager Julen Lopetegui, often guarded in his press conference assessments, acknowledged Liverpool’s form while maintaining his team’s fearless approach.
“Liverpool are the best in the league right now—there’s no disputing that,” Lopetegui said. “They’re stacked with quality and led by a fantastic coach. But we respect every opponent, not fear them. At home, with our fans, we believe we can make life difficult for them.”
This season, Liverpool have kicked on from the Klopp era, but West Ham fans will cling to past giant-killing memories. Certainly with the Hammers gaffer’s job security being discussed so close to the game, the Spaniard could do with an unexpected win.
If there’s one thing the Irons have learned, it’s that anything can happen under the lights in East London but then again, the LS isn’t Upton Park.
The stage is set for what could be a crucial evening for all concerned but if Lopetegui and his team are worried, they’re not showing it.
