Mohammed Kudus could not think of a better opportunity than Saturday’s London derby at Crystal Palace to bounce back from opening day disappointment against Aston Villa.
A first away league trip of the 2024/25 campaign awaits with a visit to Selhurst Park, and the Ghanaian is under no illusions about the tough challenge ahead against Palace, who were the in-form side at the end of last season, scoring six wins while going unbeaten in their final seven games.
The forward knows every game in the Premier League is tough, and the Irons got a taste of what Palace under manager Oliver Glasner could offer in pre-season when the two teams met in Tampa, Florida, in the Stateside Cup, having also been humbled in south London on their most-recent visit back in April this year.
“It was disappointing to lose our first home game against Aston Villa, but I think we gave it a go,” Kudus said. “We’ve got a new Head Coach and new players, so it will take some time to get used to everything.
“I thought we showed the way we wanted to play but could have done more. We were unlucky not to get a draw with the chances we created, and there are plenty of things we can build on ahead of our next game. I think it was a good effort from the lads, and we will put on an even better performance this weekend. It’s a London derby and a good opportunity to bounce back.
“They [Crystal Palace] are a very good team. We played them and lost in pre-season, and were defeated heavily over there last season, so it's definitely another big challenge. But we are up for it.
“We’re playing a different team, so we can’t approach the game the same as we did against Aston Villa. We have a way of playing, but our tactics vary based on our opponent."
The 24-year-old, who appeared 45 times for the Hammers last term in all competitions, scoring 14 goals and providing six assists, says he is enjoying working under Julen Lopetegui and has vowed that the best is yet to come from both West Ham and him personally, as they chase a return to European competition.
Kudus added: “He [Lopetegui] is very, very ambitious and demands a lot, but that's the level we are aspiring to be at. We are ready to help him also succeed here as players. He has a chat with individual players about how he sees you as a player and what he expects from you on the pitch, with or without the ball. The season has started, so get buckled in.
“As a team we are pushing for Europe. We couldn’t do it last season but are determined to do it this season. We’ve added a lot more quality to the squad, and the challenge is on for every position. We as individuals are blessed as we have to compete in a healthy way for places, which is pushing each other to be the best we can be. There are a lot of new signings, so we have a responsibility to help them settle in as quickly as possible.
"I see it as a good sign about the level the Club wants to be at and trying to strengthen every position. It doesn’t make any position feel complacent, and there's always someone behind you ready to take your place if you don't perform.
“I definitely have an all-round target [for the season], but it's personal, and the ultimate one is around the team and helping the team get as many points as possible and getting back in Europe. We have fewer competitions to focus on, so that means we have to be up for every league game because we won't play as much as we did last season.”
