Former West Ham United striker Teddy Sheringham believes that the Hammers have been right to stick by manager David Moyes as they have reached their first European final since 1976.
Next Wednesday, the Hammers head to the Fortuna Arena in Prague to take on Italian side Fiorentina in the final of the Europa Conference League, with a European trophy and a place in next season’s Europa League up for grabs.
Although in the Premier League, West Ham struggled this season, finishing 14th and spending much of the campaign just shy of the Premier League’s relegation zone.
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However, in Europe, it has been a completely different story, winning 13 of their 14 matches in Europe this term to set up a meeting with Fiorentina in next week’s final in Prague.
Speaking on the campaign, Sheringham, who scored 30 goals in 87 games for the club between 2004 and 2007, says that West Ham were right to stick by manager Moyes despite their mixed campaign.
“West Ham have been unbelievable, and I’m delighted for them," Sheringham told Betway.
“It’s been tough for them in the league this season, but I think it was the right decision to stick with David Moyes. I’d love to see them win it.”
One player who has caught the eye of Sheringham has been Brazilian playmaker Lucas Paqueta, who captain Declan Rice recently described as being ‘mind-boggling.’
Speaking on Paqueta, Sheringham said that he looks to have plenty of talent in his locker and feels he has hit form at the right time of the season.
“He’ll be invaluable. It can take a little while for foreign players to come in and adjust to the Premier League, but there’s a top player in there,” Sheringham added. “It seems like he’s adjusted in time for the end-of-season push.”
Ahead of the final, Sheringham has tipped his former club to go all the way and become just the second-ever winners of the competition.
Sheringham added that he thinks West Ham will win the hard way, via a penalty shootout, the same method in which Sevilla beat Roma in Wednesday’s Europa League final.
“A tough 1-1 and I think it might even go to penalties,” Sheringham predicted. “I’ll say West Ham to win on penalties.”
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