Thilo Kehrer says West Ham United want to kick-off another unbeaten European run after seeing their record 17-game streak without defeat in continental competition ended in Greece on Thursday evening.
The Irons had not lost in Europe since their UEFA Europa League semi-final second-leg at Eintracht Frankfurt in May 2022, and it was amid another hostile atmosphere that they were beaten again, this time by Olympiacos in Group A of the same competition.
Kehrer said the Hammers knew they would have to contend with a wall of noise in at Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium in Piraeus, but ultimately they were unable to handle the 47-times Greek champions due to a subpar first-half performance that saw them fall two goals down by the break.
A second-half improvement brought a goal from Lucas Paquetá, but it was not enough to prevent defeat, leaving the Germany international disappointed, but optimistic the UEFA Europa Conference League champions can win the return game in London in a fortnight’s time and start another unbeaten run in Europe.
“Obviously we had some difficulties in the game,” he reflected. “In the first half, we couldn’t really find our rhythm or get a hold of the game or create chances. We tried, but we weren’t really effective but that changed in the second half when we felt much better and more connected and had more pressure in their half and in the game and had some chances.
“We reacted well after not having a good first half and, in the end, I thought it was a tight game. We tried to get the second and equalise, but we have to say ‘Congrats’ to Olympiacos tonight.
“We’re planning to pick up our winning run when we play them at home in two weeks’ time. That unbeaten run we had in Europe was special and to see the reaction of the team tonight after they won the game proved how difficult it is to beat us in Europe in the last two years.
“We’re planning to get on another run like that and keeping first place in the group and we’re planning to get back on a run like that as soon as possible.”
The atmosphere in Piraeus was like little West Ham’s players, staff and supporters would have experienced before, with banners, flags and non-stop chanting from well before kick-off until after the final whistle.
The Claret and Blue Army also made their presence felt on their return following a one-match ban for the 2-1 win at German side Freiburg on matchday two, and the right-back was grateful for their backing.
“I think the atmosphere here has been known for a long time to be very special,” he confirmed. “You feel the fans are very enthusiastic and very emotional. We were prepared for that and knew what was coming, and I think their stadium held up all our expectations tonight.
“We’re happy to have our fans with us again, too. Everyone says how special our support is and it really is. Every game we have them, and especially away from home it’s important for us. They way they do it, up against a whole stadium, backing us a Club and as a team is really special.”
