Thilo Kehrer has called on the West Ham United squad to carry their recent momentum into Sunday’s Premier League test at Liverpool.
The Irons return to domestic action this weekend with a trip to Anfield and will be looking to return to winning ways in the Premier League after a first league loss of the season last time out, a defeat at home to reigning champions Manchester City.
David Moyes’ side responded well on Thursday, claiming a hard-fought 3-1 victory over Serbian side FK TSC Bačka Topola in the first group game of this year’s UEFA Europa League, and Kehrer believes the Hammers have many positives from recent performances which can be utilised against Jürgen Klopp’s Reds.
“We can take a lot of good things into Liverpool,” the defender said. “We’ve started well this season and it’s another tough game coming up.
“Against City, we defended very well through the whole game. I think we missed out on small details which cost us the result in the end. But we want to keep our good momentum going.”
Kehrer celebrated his 27th birthday on Thursday and marked it with his first start of the season, featuring against a game TSC side at London Stadium.
Despite West Ham’s dominance in possession and chances, it was TSC who took the leas through Petar Stanić on 47 minutes.
Mohammed Kudus provided the inspiration for the comeback, forcing an own goal from Nemanja Petrović on 66 minutes before converting James Ward-Prowse's corner four minutes later. Tomáš Souček's header from another Ward-Prowse corner completed the scoring and secured the 3-1 win.
“I think there were a lot of good things we showed against TSC,” Kehrer continued. “We had a few changes and rotations in the team, and we struggled a little bit through different phases, but we got the result we wanted and it’s a good start to the group.
“We showed good things and a good mentality that got us that win.”
After his maiden start of the season, Kehrer is eager to make even more appearances as the Hammers step into a busy September and October schedule.
The German international conceded that no player likes not playing but knows the quality in the West Ham squad means there is immense competition for places which, in turn, will make the entire team better.
He added: “I want to play every game. I’m not hiding that. I want to play as much as possible. I wouldn’t call it pressure though because I want to enjoy every minute I get. I’m giving my best in training and preparing myself, and that’s all I can do.
“We have competition for places here. If you’re not playing then you’re not happy, of course. You want to play as much as possible but, also, it’s very good for the team.
“Everybody needs to take their chances when they come, because that’s the best way to get results for the team, which will then give the entire squad a boost.”
