“We want to keep the good momentum going” ⚒️#WHUFUL | 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙇𝙖𝙨𝙩 𝙒𝙤𝙧𝙙: Thilo Kehrer pic.twitter.com/S9N7jCOt6W
— West Ham United (@WestHam) October 9, 2022
For all West Ham United’s attacking additions, one of the most important arrivals of a busy summer window has been in defence.
Thilo Kehrer has played in every league match since his arrival, showing an impressive versatility to play across both a back-three and back-four.
The Germany defender has excelled whether he has been deployed at centre-back or – more recently – full-back. And such has been Kehrer's calmness and professionalism, that his role in recent league wins - both on and off the field - has perhaps gone under the radar.
Now, after two consecutive victories against Wolves and Anderlecht, Kehrer wants the Hammers to continue the momentum and a record a third win in eight days at London Stadium today.
“Getting another win is very important,” Kehrer said. “It just gives you good feedback to keep on with the good performances, to keep on progressing.
"That's exactly what we want to continue and what we want to keep on doing, and, hopefully, get more points in the next game too. We want to keep the good momentum going against Fulham. We want to show a good performance.”
In the Hammers' two league wins so far, Kehrer has shone. Villa Park was a masterclass at centre-half, while as a full-back last time-out in east London, the 26-year-old also showed his attacking quality, contributing an assist as Jarrod Bowen secured the Hammers a 2-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers.
But in his two London derbies so far, Kehrer is yet to taste victory, something he is determined to change against Fulham.
“I've really enjoyed [the London derbies],” he added. “But of course, I’d enjoy it even more if we get three points out of the game. We drew the first one and lost at Chelsea. But we showed good performances.
"We need to focus on keeping on the good performance, pushing on and then we'll see good results as well.
“I know Fulham are a good team; they're not easy to play. But I have to say that we keep on focusing on ourselves. And I think if we do that, we will have a pretty good chance to win that game.”
Ahead of Fulham's trip to east London, the Irons can take confidence from consecutive wins and clean sheets.
And Kehrer is excited to be back playing in front of the Claret & Blue Army.
“I've found it incredible,” he enthused. “The fans and the atmosphere is really special. I really enjoy playing in front of our fans. They're one of the best fans in the league, and also one of the best atmospheres that I've played so far with all the stadiums.
“We count on them to support us and to push us on during the game. We will make sure that we give our best and leave it all out on the pitch. If we do our best, we can get a good result and three points on Sunday.”
