Emerson Palmieri feels it is not unrealistic for West Ham United to think about making the Europa Conference League final. He also claims it is now ‘within our reach’ to win the title.
The Irons visit Cypriot side AEK Larnaca for the first leg of their Round of 16 tie in the UEFA competition this Thursday. David Moyes’ men will then welcome Jose Luis Oltra’s squad to east London on March 16 for their reverse fixture. Kick-off for this week’s game is at 17:45.
West Ham gained home-field advantage for the second leg after they topped Group B with a 100% winning record. It also ensured they did not contest the knockout round play-offs. AEK Larnaca only came through their tie against SC Dnipro-1 as 1-0 winners on aggregate.
How did West Ham United reach the Europa Conference League Round of 16?
AEK Larnaca dropped into the play-offs having finished third in their Europa League group. The AEK Arena outfit finished behind Fenerbahce and Stade Rennais having only won one of their six ties. They took a 1-0 win over Dynamo Kyiv in their opening Group B encounter.
West Ham breezed past RSC Anderlecht, Silkeborg IF and FCSB with six wins from six ties in the Conference League. They also scored 13 goals and only conceded four times. Now, the Irons travel to AEK Larnaca in the last 16 keen to continue their march toward the final.
Emerson Palmieri believes the Hammers can reach the final and win the 2022/23 title
West Ham’s dominant run in the Conference League has been in stark contrast to their run in the Premier League. Moyes has only overseen six wins through 25 top-flight games. The Hammers have also only scored 23 goals to 33 conceded so far this season in the league.
Yet given West Ham are now just three rounds away from reaching the Conference League final, Emerson believes the Irons should feel they can win the title. They will also be among the favourites with Villarreal, OGC Nice and Lazio to produce deep runs in the competition.
“I know what such a significant trophy would mean to the club,” Emerson told West Ham’s club website. “And to myself, as well, as a personal goal. I’ve set it as a goal and it’s within our reach. Let’s hope it works out well.”
The defender added: “Right now, in the Conference League, we’re in the Round of 16. So, it’s not a distant goal any more or unrealistic [to think about reaching the final].”
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