Jarrod Bowen bemoans ‘random’ Freiburg decision as West Ham aim for Europa League knockouts
West Ham star Jarrod Bowen is calling on fans to create an electric atmosphere for the crucial clash against Freiburg. The Hammers are playing against the German side at the London Stadium for a spot in the Europa League quarter-finals this evening.
They're currently trailing 1-0 from their first game in Germany. The Hammers are currently in a close battle for a top-seven finish in the Premier League but are out of both domestic cups, meaning defeat tonight would spell an end to their trophy ambitions.
Bowen thinks that the fans can play a key role in helping West Ham make more European history. “We’ve been here before,” he told Standard Sport. “I think of the Sevilla game [at the same stage in 2021-22] as one, even those first-leg games — Frankfurt at home and Lyon at home and AZ Alkmaar, too.
“When we get that atmosphere going and the stadium is bouncing, it’s difficult for any team to come here and beat us.
“We’re going to need another one of them, we’re 1-0 down with a chance to go into the quarter-final of a European competition, so we’re going to need absolutely everyone.
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“We have to be the ones to get the first goal. If we get that first goal, the fans will really think we can go on and get the next one.”
Because there are so many teams from Germany and Britain still in the competition, UEFA has scheduled the game to start at 5:45pm. “It is a bit random,” said Bowen. “It’s a difficult time, but we know the fans will be there in their numbers.
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