West Ham manager David Moyes wants his side’s recent Premier League revival to act as a catalyst for another deep run in Europe this season.
The Hammers play German side Freiburg in the first leg of a Europa League last-16 tie on Thursday.
Back-to-back wins have lifted Moyes’ side to seventh in the league, with the Scot targeting a European finish.
“I sense we’re getting back to where we should be,” said Moyes, who won the Europa Conference League last year.
The Hammers also reached the Europa League semi-finals in the 2021-22 season and Moyes has challenged his side to ensure a fourth successive season in continental competition.
The mood around the east London club seems to have changed since the top-flight wins against Brentford and Everton.
With his deal running out in the summer, the Hammers manager’s future has come under scrutiny and some fans waved a ‘Moyes Out’ banner during a defeat at Nottingham Forest last month.
A section of the support became increasingly unhappy after a poor start to 2024 saw West Ham go eight matches without a win.
“I want us to have another great run in Europe. I’d also like us to qualify for Europe again in the league,” said Moyes, whose side beat Freiburg home and away in the group stage before Christmas.
“We had a period where we weren’t so good but we’re back on form at the moment and I sense we’re getting back to where we should be. Hopefully that continues [against Freiburg].
“I think for West Ham to be a European club is incredible. We’ve now been on that run for three years and we’ve played over 30 games in those three years.
“We want to keep it going and build on it.”
Morocco defender Nayef Aguerd is a doubt for the West Ham, while Ivory Coast winger Maxwel Cornet has not travelled to Germany because of a hamstring injury.
