ECL final: Moyes upbeat ahead career ‘biggest moment’
West Ham manager David Moyes has described Wednesday’s Europa Conference League final with Fiorentina as the “biggest moment” of his managerial career.
The Hammers are preparing for their first major final in Europe since 1976 and are bidding to win a first trophy since the FA Cup 43 years ago.
Moyes, who began his managerial career with Preston in 1998, is yet to lift a major piece of silverware, the Community Shield with Manchester United in 2013 notwithstanding.
He is looking to become the first British manager since Sir Alex Ferguson, the man he replaced at the then-champions, to lift a trophy, and join the former United boss in the pantheon of great Scottish managers in the English game.
Moyes, who has attended plenty of European finals in his role on UEFA’s technical committee, and his players got a first look at the final venue on Tuesday evening.
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Moyes reflects on the success West Ham have had and looks ahead to a ‘special’ Europa Conference League final against Fiorentina
“It is slightly surreal,” the 60-year-old said ahead of the showdown in Prague. “To turn up and have your own dressing room is a big thrill for me. I really hope I can take it to the next level and win the game.
“I’ve had a really good career since I started coaching at 35. Over a thousand matches, been in some finals, had some promotions. But this is the biggest moment. To be a coach for as long as I’ve been, you’re obviously doing something right.” West Ham on verge of history 58 years after last European success
Moyes also categorically denied suggestions that he could step down after the final, regardless of the result.
“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.”
Moyes’ father, David Sr, has attended all their European away matches and will once again be in the crowd at the 20,000-capacity stadium hopefully.
“I think he’ll be in the pub,” smiled Moyes. “But to be in this position is very good and good for my family, and I hope they can enjoy it. Hopefully I can give him something he can remember.”
Declan Rice will captain the Hammers in what will almost certainly be his final game for the club with Arsenal and Manchester United among those vying for his signature.