Moyes doing ‘incredible’ job at West Ham – Soucek

David Moyes has done an “incredible” job as West Ham manager despite fan criticism, says Tomas Soucek.

However, West Ham are seventh in the Premier League, and Moyes also led them to a first trophy in 43 years in last season’s Europa Conference League.

“You can see the results, what he has done,” said Soucek.

“Now we are in Europe three times in a row for the first time in the club’s history.

“The job he has done is incredible. I am so happy I could be part of that, to help to create history. The manager does an important job and I think he has done very well the last few years – and this year as well.”

Soucek was speaking before West Ham’s Europa League second leg on Thursday. Freiburg lead 1-0 after the first leg through Michael Gregoritsch’s late goal.

Czech Republic midfielder Soucek also defended Kalvin Phillips, who has had a difficult start to his loan spell at West Ham from Manchester City.

Phillips has endured an error-strewn start to his time at West Ham, was sent off in his fourth game and was subbed at half-time in Sunday’s 2-2 draw with Burnley.

“I see him every day,” said Soucek of his fellow midfielder. “He plays in good form in the sessions but it is very difficult for him, because after maybe two years at Manchester City, and for any player who doesn’t play that often it’s very difficult to play in the games.

“It’s difficult for him but we all support him, we are with him. He’s a hard worker, which I like. I like his style and wish him all the best for the future. He’s an important player for us, and he’s a very good player.”

TEAM NEWS

Full-back Emerson is a doubt for West Ham, after the Italy defender picked up a leg injury during the previous fixture in Germany.

Winger Maxwel Cornet is definitely out with a hamstring problem.

MATCH FACTS

• West Ham have alternated between three wins and two defeats in their five home major European matches against German opponents – they won 2-0 against Freiburg in December most recently.
• Freiburg’s only previous trip to England in European competition came in this season’s Europa League group-stage against West Ham, losing 2-0; Breisgau-Brasilianer have however won five of their past nine away games in this competition (D2 L2).
• Including qualifiers, West Ham have won their past 10 home matches in European competition, scoring 25 goals and never conceding more than once in those games (six conceded). Their last home defeat did come against German opposition however, losing 2-1 to Eintracht Frankfurt in the Europa League in April 2022.
• Following their 1-0 first-leg victory, Freiburg are looking to reach the last eight of a major European competition for the first time. They have now won their past two knockout matches (3-2 v Lens, 1-0 v West Ham), as many as they had won in their first 11 knockout games in major European competition (W2 D4 L5).
• Despite only playing 299 minutes in this season’s Europa League, Freiburg’s Michael Gregoritsch has scored five goals, averaging one every 60 minutes. It is the best minutes-per-goal ratio by a player to score 5+ goals in a Europa League campaign since Pizzi in 2020-21 for Benfica (one every 55 mins).