Tony Masibo
Eintracht Frankfurt Manager Oliver Glasner has promised English Premier League side West Ham United a tough encounter in the Europa League second leg semi-final tie in Germany on Thursday.
Frankfurt beat West Ham 2-1 in the first leg of the semi-final of the competition at the London Stadium on Thursday last week.
For the first time in 46 years, David Moyes’ side will be seeking to overturn the deficit in Germany to reach the final of a European competition for the first time.
However, the hosts will be looking to hang on to their slender lead to storm this season’s Europa League final provided they avoid defeat at home.
West Ham United will be coming into the game looking for one goal that will equalise the scores, forcing the tie into extra time or potential penalty shootouts.
They have, however, been promised a harsh reception by the hosts, with the home team vowing to go for nothing short of victory on Thursday.
Speaking to the press ahead of the game, Glasner insisted that his team will play West Ham to win.
“We should approach the game for what it is – the second leg in a European semi-final,” Glasner said pre-match (BBC Sport).
This could, however, fall on deaf ears considering West Ham United’s commendable performance away from the London Stadium. Their display in away games has been outstanding this season.
“We expect a West Ham team that will try everything to win and reach the final. I told my players that our focus is to play to win. We will not attempt to manage any result.
“With our fans behind us, we’re going for a win from the first second, and our approach has to be to challenge their defence. We need an even better performance than in the first leg.”
Frankfurt have managed to win just once in their backyard since December 18th, 2021.
