Lucas Paquetá is full of belief that West Ham United can return to their best form when Luton Town visit London Stadium on Saturday.
The Brazilian midfielder completed 76 minutes of the disappointing defeat at Chelsea last time out, that all but ended the Hammers' hopes of a fourth consecutive season of European competition.
Paquetá is under no illusions about the tough challenge that awaits against the Hatters, who are battling for Premier League survival, but he has been encouraged by the players’ response at Rush Green this week, and is backing the Irons to give manager David Moyes the send-off he deserves following the announcement that he will depart the Club at the end of the campaign.
"Nobody likes to lose, and we were upset with the defeat [at Chelsea]," said Paquetá. "When we don’t play as well as we wish, it’s sad [in the dressing room]. But that’s football. You always have the opportunity to do better next week. We have worked and trained hard so that we can do better in the next game, and that’s what we expect in the next match.
“The manager has asked for a bit more concentration so that we can finish the season on a high. Of course, a few of the recent results were not what we wanted, so he has asked us to work a little more so that we can have a good end to the season.
“It was a very hard game [in the reverse fixture]. Luton are a team that battle a lot and we had a good game, but me and [Jarrod] Bowen have been connecting really well. He understands my way of playing and I understand how he likes to play, so that makes all the difference on the pitch, when you know your teammates. I was able to assist him [in that game] and he was able to score. Hopefully this partnership can happen again this weekend and we can win.
“In the Premier League there is no easy game, and I think they [Luton] will do everything they can to win the match. We have to do our job, and do our best to make sure West Ham win because it’s our duty. We have our supporters watching us and we want to finish the season winning at home. We have had a lot of highs throughout the season and I think we deserve to finish well with a smile."
Having made 82 appearances for West Ham since his arrival from Olympique Lyonnais in August 2022, Paquetá has enjoyed a seamless transition to east London.
The 26-year-old has been a pivotal part of the Hammers’ midfield jigsaw across the last two seasons, with 13 goals and 14 assists in all competitions.
And he lavished praise on manager Moyes ahead of his final home game in charge of the Irons, hoping he and his teammates can give him the occasion he deserves for the huge success he has brought to London Stadium.
Paquetá added: “He spoke to all of us [about his departure] and we are all very grateful for everything that he has done for West Ham. He put his name in the history books and West Ham on a different level, so I think he deserves all the recognition that he gets. He has always been a very loyal person, a very fair person with all of the players and we are very grateful and thank him for everything.
“I hope he can leave with a home win. He deserves to leave with a smile for everything that he has done. Us, as players, will do our best to win the game to help the Club and to provide a fitting farewell for the manager.
“I’m very thankful for the fans since my arrival. They always support me even during hard times. They’ve helped me to adapt and have recognised me with chants, filling up the stadium to support, not just me, but the team, and it is very special for me and my family. I feel very grateful for it.”
