James Ward-Prowse, a star for West Ham, has shamelessly poked fun at David Moyes’ strategies in front of the match that could make or break.
During the summer, David Moyes made a strong effort to acquire James Ward-Prowse from Southampton for a sum of £30 million.
He contributed several goals and assists for West Ham during the first half of the season, so it seemed like a wise choice.
However, throughout the second half of the season, doubts about Ward-Prowse’s contributions outside of set-pieces have appeared to be well-founded.
In their last 20 games, West Ham has only won four.
It appears more and more likely that Moyes will depart the Hammers when his deal expires this summer.
The risk-averse mindset and strategy of the Scots has many detractors.
especially considering that West Ham has lost 13 of its previous 13 Premier League games and his defense-focused philosophy is not being demonstrated on the field.
West Ham faces a formidable opponent in Leverkusen
Last Thursday night, in the first leg of the Europa League quarterfinal at Bayer Leverkusen, Moyes went all out defensive, pushing his strategy to unprecedented heights.
The players followed the manager’s instructions, but the Hammers gave up two goals late in the game, leaving them with a mountain to climb in the second leg at the London Stadium due to fatigued legs and minds.
In the second leg of their Europa League quarterfinal, the Hammers will face the recently crowned German champions with everything on the line.
Leverkusen’s hangover from winning their first-ever Bundesliga title will be something that West Ham is hoping to avoid.
After losing the first leg 2-0, Moyes’ team is aware that they must find a way to tie the score.
To force extra time in the match at the London Stadium, West Ham knows they need to score two goals in quick succession.
Regarding tactics, Ward-Prowse takes a jab at Moyes
However, they will be unable to do so without Lucas Paqueta and Emerson Palmieri, who are both suspended.
And perhaps injury doubts for Konstantinos Mavropanos and Jarrod Bowen as well.
The strategies employed by Moyes in the first leg have infuriated a lot of West Ham supporters. especially considering that, before the match, the Scot disregarded a tip from a German football expert.
After the match, Michail Antonio made it clear how he felt, telling Moyes that his strategy for the second leg had to be totally altered.
The West Ham player Ward-Prowse has now openly mocked Moyes’ tactics.
Speaking on West Ham’s official website, the midfield player claimed that Leverkusen was treated with far too much respect by the tactics.
We just need to make the most of our time, learn from the Fulham match, and do what it takes to bounce back stronger, according to Ward-Prowse. “It’s not hard to get yourself up for a European quarter-final,” he said.
“We all know Leverkusen are a good team, but personally I think we showed them a bit too much respect in the first leg, and we didn’t quite pack the punch that I think we can,” the midfielder said in reference to the boss, not for the first time.
“We have to attack Thursday with all guns blazing, and we know that the first goal will be very important. We must ensure that we achieve that objective, and we must take advantage of the situation and the environment.
I came to West Ham for these kinds of nights, and I’m sure it will be an incredible show. I hope we can make some more incredible memories in the lighthouse.
Ward-Prowse has previously expressed disapproval of Moyes’ strategies
Following a victory over Tottenham, Ward-Prowse expressed his opinion that the Scot focused too much on neutralizing their opponents in the build-up and not enough on how West Ham’s strong squad could harm their rivals.
And as they turned the game around to win 2-1, he said the players pulled together to demonstrate that they too could play football.
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