Xabi Alonso has sent a warning to West Ham and appears to get a little bit cocky with a bold Bayer Leverkusen statement.
West Ham head to Germany today ahead of the Europa League quarter-final first leg with Bayer Leverkusen.
The Hammers have three key players missing for the daunting match with Alphonse Areola, Jarrod Bowen and Edson Alvarez out through injury and suspension.
Although Areola would not have played anyway as Lukasz Fabianski is David Moyes’ cup goalkeeper this season.
West Ham will be hoping to stay in the tie so that they can make the most of home advantage at the London Stadium in the second leg next week.
If you listen to some in the media West Ham needn’t bother turning up for the last eight clash with Bayer Leverkusen.
Hammers underdogs but must be respected
When the last eight draw was made, the Hammers were labelled big underdogs.
Nothing has changed on that front with Bayer Leverkusen going into the game against West Ham 41 games unbeaten across all competitions all season long and on the cusp on winning the Bundesliga.
There has been an air of confidence among some West Ham fans that their team could rise to the occasion of being the first to inflict defeat on the Germans.
After all West Ham do have a long history of spoiling the party.
Given the gulf between most Premier League and German sides, many West Ham fans feel they are being written off too soon by the media. That’s despite being beaten 4-0 by Bayer in pre-season – albeit before the Hammers had made any of their excellent summer signings.
Now Alonso has warned West Ham and he gets a little bit cocky with a bold Bayer Leverkusen statement.
Alonso gets a little bit cocky ahead of Hammers test
The Spaniard has been speaking to the media ahead of the first leg.
Alonso exhibits clear respect for West Ham.
But not only has he said he is confident and his side are ready to win playing their way, he has even named some of his team.
He has confirmed rookie goalkeeper Matej Kovar will start inbetween the sticks – as we reported would be the case earlier this week.
Alonso also says Victor Boniface is fit to start and confirmed Adam Hlozek – a former West Ham target – will miss the game.
“We know what West Ham can do,” Alonso said.
“They have experience in Europe, last season they were Champions of the Conference League.
“We want to go further and starting tomorrow and then next week in London we have to play to our own game. We are ready.
“Just Adam Hlozek is injured from the weekend. Matej will play in goal.
“Victor Boniface is fully fit to play, so he could be used from the start tomorrow.”
Hammers must humble invincible Alonso
Alonso is clearly confident in his side with good reason given they are unbeaten this season.
But West Ham are no mugs.
Even without Bowen, the Hammers attack of Mohammed Kudus, Lucas Paqueta and Michail Antonio is capable of causing the best teams problems.
Moyes would never dream of naming any of his team ahead of kick off. He’s old school like that.
There’s a thin line between confidence and arrogance. And Alonso may have just crossed the threshold a little bit here.
Let’s hope the Hammers have humbled Alonso a touch come the final whistle at the BayArena.