West Ham manager David Moyes reveals preferred opponents in Europa League

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By Martin Graham | 27th Feb 2022

West Ham United boss David Moyes has come out to claim that he wanted to be drawn against Glasgow Rangers in the Europa League round of 16.

Moyes, who is Scottish, could not hide his admiration for the team from his homeland after they dumped German giants Borussia Dortmund out of the tournament in spectacular fashion.

Rangers travelled to Westfalenstadion and beat Borussia Dortmund at home 4-2 before finishing up the fine display in a midweek draw which took the aggregate scores to 6-4.

Despite being one of the stronger sides in the competition, Rangers were not given a chance against the might of Borussia Dortmund but managed to pull off a famous win over the German club.

The Hammers will come up against LaLiga club Sevilla and Rangers, led by Giovanni van Bronckhorst, who replaced Steven Gerrard following his departure to Aston Villa in January, will take on red star Belgrade in the last 16 of the Europa League.

Moyes spoke highly about Rangers and said that he wanted West Ham to draw the Light Blues in the last 16 of the Europa League so that he could have a chance to play against the team from his home country.

He said: “I did [want Rangers], because I was looking forward to the prospect of going to Rangers.

“That would be a real tough game, Rangers did brilliantly well to overcome Dortmund.

“But great credit to them for getting through against Dortmund.”

Jarrod Bowen: “I know how good I can be”

Elsewhere, West Ham star Jared Bowen spoke with The Guardian on his life at the club.

Bowen joined West Ham in the summer of the 2020/21 season and has morphed into one of the club’s most important players as they continue their charge for UEFA Champions League football this season.

He spoke to The Guardian about his career trajectory up until when he got to West Ham and noted that he has started coming good.

“I had a lot of obstacles to overcome when I was younger. Anything that comes in my way now, I’m ready to take it on,” Bowen said.

“I know how good I can be and I think it’s all starting to come into place. At the start of the season I was playing well and not scoring or getting assists, but I kept myself going.

“I’ve had a bit of luck with a couple of goals recently. That’s what happens when you stick at it.

“I can probably be better. There’s plenty more goals I could have scored. I’m probably talking about 15 goals already. I’m hard on myself.”

The 25 year-old former Hull City midfielder could be making his Three Lions of England debut in the upcoming international break thanks to his impressive form this season.

However, he will be focusing on helping West Ham finish strong in Premier League and also progressing in the Europa League.