The David Moyes Newcastle United press conference has taken place.
The West Ham boss talking on Friday ahead of tomorrow’s game.
Moyes looking forward to the match and when asked about visiting St James’ Park, the West Ham Manager describing it as ‘one of the best in the country.’
BBC Sport reporting on the David Moyes Newcastle United press conference – 29 March 2024:
Moyes addressed the Hammers’ injury situation: “We’ve got a question mark over [Nayef] Aguerd and we’re just assessing [Lucas] Paqueta a little bit. We’re just having to keep an eye on those two to see how they are.” Maxwel Cornet is back in training but Moyes is not sure if he is “match ready” yet.
On facing Newcastle to start the run-in, he said: “I think it’s really important. We have nine to play and every game is going to be vitally important to pick up as many points as we can.”
Moyes spoke about the potential of qualifying for Europe again this season: “It would be unbelievable for us to get in four years in a row. I think the level of competition in the Premier League is so difficult.” He wants his West Ham side to challenge the top-three teams but is “happy with where we’re at right now”.
He said having Michail Antonio back “has given us another dimension”. Moyes added: “It’s his goals that we need him to add. I think to be a team at the top of the Premier League you have to have regular goalscorers.” He wants Antonio to have similar goalscoring numbers as top scorer Jarrod Bowen.
On Vladimir Coufal he said: “He’s a fantastic boy. The way he plays, his loyalty and the way he conducts himself as a West Ham player is superb. He’s been a really good full-back.”
He described St James’ Park as “one of the best in the country” and that their fans may be even more passionate because of the club’s recent success. He hopes West Ham supporters stick with the team in what is “the most important time of the season.”