Joe Cole insists West Ham will be ‘very confident’ of reaching the Conference League final after turning around first leg deficit against AZ Alkmaar… but warns his former side of a stern response from the Dutch outfit
Joe Cole has insisted West Ham will be ‘very confident’ of reaching the Conference League final after they beat AZ Alkmaar 2-1 in the first leg of their semi-final on Thursday night.
The Hammers had to come from behind but strikes from Said Benrahma and Michail Antonio ensured David Moyes’ side will take a slender advantage into the second leg in Holland next week.
The game started slowly for the hosts as they sat off their opponents, but they turned things around in the second half and played much better.
They are 90 minutes away from a spot in the final in Prague, but must see off any threat from Alkmaar next week if they are to recover from last year’s Europa League semi-final disappointment.
Cole, speaking on BT Sport, insisted West Ham will have worked out how to beat their opponents, likening the tie to a boxing match.
Joe Cole has insisted West Ham will be confident of reaching the Conference League final
The Hammers take a 2-1 advantage into the second leg of their semi-final versus AZ Alkmaar
Cole compared the tie to a boxing match, saying West Ham have worked out how to beat their opponents
‘David (Moyes) knows how to get the job done,’ he said. ‘You can wipe the floor with them at home and it’s like a different game in the second leg. The first 15 minutes will be crucial. See who’s fit, block up the midfield and Antonio a bit better in his hold-up play.
‘It was important. It’s the equivalent of a boxer working out how to beat the opponent. They will be confident going over there. They know if they play with the tempo they can’t live with the pace for 90 minutes. They will be very confident.’
Carlton Cole, meanwhile, claimed West Ham will want to score early in Holland to almost put the game to bed.
Said Benrahma scored the equaliser for West Ham before Michail Antonio netted the winner
Carlton Cole (left) said the Hammers have learnt to play on the front foot, while Owen Hargreaves claimed they will face a tough task next week
He insisted they will have picked up several tips from the first leg and will be able to perform better overall.
‘They have learnt to be on the front foot and not let them play,’ he said. ‘Moyes will have taken a lot and the boys will have too. They will have the memory and feeling of last year and want to finish off the game early.’
Owen Hargreaves, added: ‘They need to figure out something with the press. Imagine what they will have at home possession wise. West Ham have a great advantage but it will be a tough game.’
The second leg will take place next Thursday as the Hammers continue their quest to win their first piece of silverware since 1980.
