Match-winner Issa Diop said West Ham United’s 3-2 win at Austrian Bundesliga club SCR Altach was a promising start to the Irons’ preseason schedule.
The Hammers went 2-0 up inside 25 minutes through goals from Carlos Sanchez and Michail Antonio before being begged back to 2-2 shortly after half-time.
However, Diop was in the right place to head Jack Wilshere’s right-wing cross into the bottom corner and give Manuel Pellegrini’s men a winning start to their preparations for the 2019/20 Premier League campaign.
It was a good match in a good stadium on a good pitch and Altach were a good team and they played well
Issa Diop
“It was a good workout,” the French defender confirmed. “We worked well physically but we conceded two goals, which was too much, but we won, which is the most-important thing.
“It was important for everyone to play a game and no-one was injured, so it’s good.
“It was a good match in a good stadium on a good pitch and Altach were a good team and they played well. Everything about the match was good.”
Diop played down the significance of his goal, but could not hide a smile when talking about it a few minutes after the game was over.
And the 22-year-old hopes the Hammers can take the confidence drawn from a positive performance and positive result in Central Europe when they travel to the Far East for the Premier League Asia Trophy this weekend.
There, in hot and humid conditions, West Ham will face treble winners Manchester City in the semi-finals before tackling Newcastle United or Newcastle United in their second game.
Diop, for one, is looking forward to playing in China for the first time in his career.
“I am happy to score but obviously it was just a friendly game, so to get a goal is not very important, but we always want to win every game, so of course I am happy about this goal,” he said.
“A win of any kind is always good for the confidence, even in preseason, so now we will get back to work and get ready for China.
“It’s a new adventure for us in a new country, so it’s going to be a good trip and I’m very excited about it!”