David Moyes reflects on the last time he travelled to face AZ Alkmaar in a European competition as he hopes his West Ham side can secure a place in the Europa Conference League final, Voetbal International reports.
Moyes currently has two doubts about the return against AZ – Michail Antonio has travelled to the Netherlands, but is still uncertain. The same goes for Vladimir Coufal who is carrying a hamstring injury.
It is not the first time that Moyes has overseen a side he has managed in a European competition in Alkmaar. In 2007 he knocked Louis van Gaal’s AZ out of the UEFA Cup with Everton.
The Toffees ran out 3-1 winners at the AFAS Stadium thanks to goals from Andy Johnson, Phil Jagielka and James Vaughan as well as former Southampton striker Graziano Pelle grabbing the consolation goal.
Former Toffees boss Moyes, 60, reflected on the last time he faced AZ back when Louis van Gaal was at the helm.
Moyes said: “I’ve been here before and won. I remember it well and now I want to try it again,” Moyes said. “Van Gaal was coach of AZ at the time, someone for whom I have a lot of respect. I always like coming to the Netherlands, but I remember that evening very well.”
“I think AZ played very well, not just against us. They are doing remarkably well in the Dutch league and have been doing so for a few years in a row,” Moyes continues. “I think it will be an open game. They have shown what they can do when they are behind. AZ has to do what it has to do, just like us. It’s as big a game for them as it is for us and we’ll have to give everything to keep going.”
