David Moyes
Here’s every word David Moyes said in his post-match press conference.
David, it is a strange game to judge, but what did you make of your side’s performance?
“I thought we played well today, I thought we played well in the opening 20 minutes of the game.
“I think we were the better team in the first half of the first half. I think Leicester became the better team in the second half of that first half. They got the goal and that got the crowd going, which you would expect after they got the goal. I couldn’t complain about us being 1-0 down at half time, but I thought we had played pretty well, but we couldn’t create the chances and get something in the final third. In the second half, I thought that we played well, we gave away a silly free kick and then didn’t defend the cross in well enough. We probably missed two or three good chances, but if the game had finished 2-2, I don’t think we would have complained at all. I wanted a draw to get us one place higher in the league, it might not have seemed like much, but we were desperate to get that.”
I know you have one more game, but what are your reflections on the season?
“Well, we have got nothing to celebrate. We were playing against a team that has been relegated and we see how devastating that can be. We were not in that position and I have to give everyone credit, especially the players.
“We have come from 2-0 down against Arsenal at home to get a point, we have beaten Manchester United at home, we have picked up some important wins like we did at Bournemouth and that meant we were not in that position today.
“But I never like seeing another manager or another club go through this, and how devastating it is.”
I know you know Dean Smith well, so have you had a chance to talk to him since the final whistle?
“No, I will go and have a drink with him if I have the chance to do so.”
Declan Rice, it must have been nice to see the response from the fans, if that is to be his last Premier League game for you?
“I thought he played great. It was another swashbuckling performance from him at times today. I am really pleased how well he has played for us over the season, he has been exceptional and a credit to himself. And now he has the big moment to see if he can lift a trophy for West Ham and he needs to try and get ready to see if he can help us do that.”
You have got to focus on Prague now?
“It has been on it for a long time, but what would you expect? To get to a European final, it doesn’t come around too often. It has been 47 years for West Ham, for lots of top British clubs, they may not get that chance. OK, Manchester City might be there and have been there before. But for us, it is a competition we earned the right to be in. We started back in August and we are now going into June and going to the final of it. We have tried to have a good Premier League season, it takes a big effort to retain the Premier League status, and in between that, try and go as far as we can in the cups.”
