West Ham boss David Moyes says he’s calm going into their Europa Conference League final against Fiorentina.
Moyes is confident he can handle the hype around the clash.
He said today: “I’ve had a lot of big games. It’s another big game and I’m really looking forward to it!
“It would be hugely important for myself, being from Scotland. I think the names you mentioned come from an era where Scottish managers were competing across Europe. I think Sir Alex was the last manager to do that, and it would be a great thrill for me to join them in winning such a tournament.
“I’m not sure if you told anyone that we’d finish sixth and seventh in the Premier League, got to the semi-final of one European competition and then the final of another European competition, I think they would have said ‘that’s not true’.
“But we want to try and keep it going and keep it growing.”
Moyes was asked about his memories of playing Fiorentina with Everton in 2008.
He recalled: “We lost 2-0 in Fiorentina and we won 2-0 at Goodison Park, and it went to penalty kicks. It was Phil Jagielka and Yakubu who missed penalties on the night for us, but it was a good opportunity because Rangers went on to beat Fiorentina in the semi-final and played in the final at Manchester City’s stadium.
“But I remember both games were tight, and were good battles. That time, it didn’t go our way but I hope this time it does.”
On not playing for ten days, while Fiorentina are continuing to play, Moyes also said: “I don’t think there is a reason to say one is better than the other, but I will say Fiorentina have a big squad and have been able to change the team in many games. It may be a help or it may be a hinderance, but we’re not sure what it will be at this time.
“I think, for all clubs in England and Italy, the season has been really long. That’s due to the World Cup and all the games being pushed in, so it’s been long season for all teams.”
