West Ham midfielder Flynn Downes: Fans crucial tonight against Gent

Football
20 Apr 2023 • 5:44 PM MYT
Tribal Football
Tribal Football

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West Ham United midfielder Flynn Downes expects the home support to give them an advantage tonight against KAA Gent.

West Ham host the second-leg of their Europa Conference League quarterfinal with the aggregate score locked at 1-1.

Downes told whufc.com: "I wouldn't say I get more nervous because I am a West Ham fan, but I obviously know how big the chance to reach a European semi-final is.

"To be fair, all the boys know that, and the manager has said it too. Like everyone in the stands, I'll be excited about the match, as playing for West Ham is still a bit mad to be fair. I do look at it and think 'wow'.

"But I have to get over that dream mentality. It's time to get on with it. Here, it just means so much more. It's just that extra bit special.

"This season, I've got a lot of my game time in this competition, so I'm very grateful for it that. It's been a really good experience and hopefully we can continue the run into the last four of the UEFA Europa Conference League.

"We know KAA Gent are going to be a tough task. They challenged us in the first leg last week. And let's face it, we didn't play our best. But hopefully, we play a lot better and we can progress to the last four.

"Importantly, we have the home advantage with us. You saw on Sunday how good the atmosphere was. It makes us play even better.

"It's going to be rocking, London Stadium, as well, so hopefully we can put on another performance for the fans. We have a chance to put it right after last week and that's what we are going to do.

"On Sunday, the boys were unbelievable against arguably the best team in the league so, if we replicate that level of performance, we should be alright."