Aaron Cresswell knows Sunday’s match with Everton will be a tough test at the start of a busy run to the end of the season for West Ham United.
The Irons return from the international break with a home match against the Toffees and will be looking to get back to winning ways on Sunday.
Having lost to Tottenham Hotspur in the last match prior to the international window, a game which was played less than 72 hours after the unforgettable Europa League round of 16 second leg victory over Sevilla at London Stadium, Cresswell knows how important a win will be to kickstart West Ham’s April.
“The international break most probably came at the right time for us,” the full-back told the Official West Ham United Matchday Programme. “There were a lot of games that we played prior to the break.
“Obviously, playing in Europe and a lot of travelling away, and of course we had the Premier League schedule as well. It was a lot of big games but if we want to be in these competitions then this is what we’re up against.
“We’re not looking to use any excuses for the game against Tottenham though. We weren’t good enough on the day. It was nice to not have a game for two weeks to rest a little bit and properly prepare for the matches to come.
“This match with Everton is the start of a busy period for us. We’ve got eight massive games left in the Premier League and we want to finish as high as we can. We know how tough it’s going to be but we’re going to give it everything we’ve got in the Premier League and in Europe.
“The Europa League quarter-finals against Lyon is something we’re all looking forward to as well, with a semi-final date against Barcelona or Eintracht Frankfurt if we get through. But we’re not thinking that far ahead. Our main focus is the next game, which is Everton on Sunday.”
Born in Liverpool, the No3 notes he grew up with friends who are Everton supporters, all of which will be sending him messages ahead of this weekend’s Premier League fixture.
“I remember both Everton and Liverpool both being massive clubs when I was young.
"Of course, Liverpool have been winning a lot of trophies in the last few years and Everton are in a difficult run at the minute and finding it a little hard. But they’re still a massive club.
“Growing up in Liverpool, you were either a Liverpool fan or an Everton fan. All my mates are Everton fans and still go to all the games now. They give me a bit of stick whenever we play them, so I’m looking forward to a bit of banter from them before Sunday’s game.”
While the Toffees may find themselves fighting at the bottom end of the division, Cresswell knows the threat Everton will pose to West Ham this weekend.
The defender also believes the side have snapped themselves up a good, young manager in Frank Lampard.
He added: “Frank Lampard was a world-class player, in my eyes. He was at Chelsea for all those years and he would score 20 goals a season from midfield, which was frighteningly good.
“He’s still very early on in his own managerial career. He did really well at Derby and was a bit unfortunate at Chelsea. He brought a lot of young players through in their team and I thought he did a decent job there. He's gone into a hard situation at Everton but he’s shown he is a good manager.”
