The past 12 months may not have been the easiest of Maxwel Cornet’s career, but the Ivory Coast international reminded everyone of his quality in West Ham United’s 1-0 UEFA Europa League Group A win at FK TSC.
The winger was introduced as a substitute with 23 minutes to play on a freezing night in northern Serbia and his team struggling to break down stubborn, well-organised opponents.
But, just when it looked as if time was running out for the Irons to find a winner, Cornet raced down the right flank, cut back onto his stronger left foot and delivered an inch-perfect cross for Tomáš Souček to volley in at the far post and clinch a vital victory.
Success in Serbia means West Ham have guaranteed progress to the knockout stages, remain top of Group A and need a point from their matchday six tie with SC Freiburg at London Stadium to qualify directly to the round of 16.
For Cornet, who played his part in last season’s UEFA Europa Conference League win, another long European campaign would be great, but just being back on the pitch and having the opportunity to show his quality after a difficult year affected by injury was hugely gratifying.
“It was important for me to get some minutes tonight and I’m really happy about the victory, so lets continue,” he told West Ham TV. “The talent is still here!
“We worked a lot this week with the staff about crosses and I’m happy to give an assist with my cross for Tomáš. When I play on the right side I can try a lot of things, go inside and shoot or cross like I did with the assist, so I can play everywhere up front.
“I’m just happy to get some minutes. It was very important for me.”
Cornet may not have played as much football as he would have liked since suffering what turned out to be a complex calf injury a little over a year ago, but he remains a popular member of the dressing room, especially with his fellow French-speaking teammates.
“They were happy for me because it’s been a while that I didn’t play, but I still keep my confidence in training to be ready at the right moment like tonight, so I’ll keep going and keep pushing,” he continued.
“Of course, I can do more with some minutes in the legs, but we just keep building. When the manager calls me to go on the pitch, I just need to be ready and make the difference for the lads and for the team and that’s why I’m here and I work.”
Cornet thoroughly enjoyed celebrating last season’s Conference League run – one he provided three assists in – and, while another final is still a long way away, he says trophies always have to be the target for clubs like West Ham.
“When we play football, we enjoy this type of game and this type of competition, and we’re here to win every game and win the trophy,” he confirmed.
“Of course, we know it won’t be easy and there will be a lot of games to play, but the most important thing is to keep the confidence and win the games.”
