Ray Parlour believes West Ham could reach the Europa League final this season as fans will be hungry for more success after what he described as a great European campaign last year.
The former Arsenal midfielder insisted the fans will want to taste more success in Europe after the Conference League win last season and this is another opportunity to do that.
Parlour went on to claim that he wants to see as many English clubs competing in European competitions as possible after West Ham’s progression to the knockout stages.
“I know a lot of the West Ham fans, they travelled in force around Europe to watch their team and managed to get the job done and win the tournament and they’ll want a bit more of that.
“That was a big result last night and obviously we want to see as many English clubs involved in the competition as possible.”
It will be no easy feat by any means, but after winning the Conference League last time out and topping their group this season, it’s not too far beyond the realms of imagination to suggest West Ham will be targeting further European silverware this season.
To win back-to-back European trophies would be a monumental achievement for the Hammers, and one that is rarely done by any club in the world, so if they sense the possibility, it must be something they prioritise.
Ask any West Ham fan, would they sacrifice an 8th-placed finish in the Premier League for a 14th-placed finish and a Europa League win, they’ll take the second option all day, so if the opportunity arises where they would sacrifice league position for European success, it has to be done.
As far as the number of English teams competing in Europe goes, more success on the international stage will be a long-term benefit to the league, with the coefficient rankings possibly allowing another European place for qualification via the league.
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