As far as weeks go, it was a pretty good one for West Ham United defender Vladimír Coufal.
The right-back earned his 50th cap for the Czech Republic in their 0-0 draw with Albania last weekend, before helping his country seal promotion to UEFA Nations League A with a 2-1 victory over Georgia on Tuesday night.
Having returned from international duty in good spirits, he hopes West Ham can also have a positive Premier League return away at Newcastle United on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football.
The Hammers get back underway in the top-flight under the lights up at St James’ Park looking to register a second win on their travels this campaign, with the frustration of defeat to Nottingham Forest and a goalless draw against Everton in their last two outings firmly locked away.
A fixture on Tyneside against Eddie Howe’s eighth-placed Newcastle never promises an easy ride, but our No5 believes it could be the springboard we need to re-ignite our hopes of success this season.
Now into his fifth season in Claret and Blue, where he has established himself as a fan favourite for his honest, whole-hearted displays and numerous assists, Coufal has adopted an unfamiliar role as Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s understudy for large parts this term - which is no mean feat - but is ready to fight for his spot.
“It was an amazing international break for me with the Czech Republic because we didn’t lose and were promoted to Nations League Group A with some of the best countries in Europe,” Coufal said. “For me personally, getting my 50th cap for the Czech Republic was something I could have never dreamed about, and as a kid, you dream about getting just one cap.
“We’re now back to domestic football, and we’re all expecting a tough game at Newcastle, especially under the lights at St James’ Park. They [Newcastle United] will press us very high up the pitch and will play very demanding football as they’re a good side, have a very good manager and have a very vocal fanbase. I enjoy visiting their stadium, and it’s a great place to play football.
“I hope we are able to show something because we need to finally step up and get some good results. We’re looking to start picking up some points. Hopefully we can get a positive result from our trip to Newcastle.
“I remember our win there on the opening day of the 2021/22 season and it being a crazy game. We were behind twice but scored three times in the second half to win 4-2. It was the first game of the season, which was a perfect start for us, and hopefully we can repeat something like that on Monday.”
Coufal is facing arguably the sternest competition at right-back in West Ham’s starting XI for the first time since joining the Club from Slavia Prague in 2020, with summer signing Wan-Bissaka showing he can step up to the leading role.
“I’ve got a really tough opponent [in Wan-Bissaka], and he’s a fantastic player both defensively and offensively, but this is expected at a Premier League team that you have strong competition from players in the same positions,” Coufal confirmed. “It’s been a bit different for me this year, and I have to fight even more, but I am not giving up.
“I have to fight for my spot, but I have always been and always will be a fighter and won’t give up my position without a challenge.
“I’ve played five games this season in the Premier League, and after being on the bench for six games, getting back on the pitch against Everton before the break was very positive for me, and I was very excited to show something.
“Hopefully I will get some more minutes soon and can help the team achieve our targets and ambitions for the season.”
