David Moyes sent a parting message to West Ham stars about Julen Lopetegui in his final address to them at Man City.
As Manchester City fans invaded the pitch to celebrate a fourth successive title, West Ham boss David Moyes and his players retreated back stage at the Etihad.
Plans to go over to the away support and thank them ruined.
While Man City’s array of stars celebrated wildly with Pep Guardiola, it was a different atmosphere in West Ham’s dressing room.
After 261 games over two spells, Moyes was delivering his last words as the manager of West Ham United.
Moyes farewell gesture scuppered
At the turn of the year West Ham were flying high in the top six, just behind the top four.
A 2-0 victory at Arsenal had seen clamour from some to give Moyes a new deal.
It would prove a defeat that ultimately cost Arsenal the title.
Results have been so bad in 2024 that the match at Man City would be Moyes’ last having not been handed a new contract.
So there was no lack of irony as West Ham’s 3-1 defeat at Man City in his final game sealed Arsenal’s fate.
Moyes will now be replaced by Julen Lopetegui with an official announcement immiment.
It has been the worst kept secret in football over the last few weeks.
Moyes sends parting message to about Lopetegui
But West Ham’s owners insisted on holding off until Moyes had finished the season before ushering in Lopetegui.
Things have got a touch tetchy of late with Moyes banning technical director Tim Steidten from being around the first team due to West Ham’s very public search for a new boss.
One might think Moyes would be bitter about Lopetegui coming in to replace him.
But after his farewell at home last week, the departing manager said he hoped the Spaniard will make even more progress.
Now Moyes has sent a parting message to West Ham stars about Lopetegui.
And it is pure class once again.
‘I’ve said to the players’
Moyes has revealed that his final address to West Ham’s players was to tell them they must give their all under Lopetegui to continue the fine work they have done in east London.
“I think there are a lot of things for the club to take forward and a lot of things we’ve made better here and I hope it continues, I really do,” Moyes told the club’s official website.
“I’ve said to the players in the dressing room today they have to keep it going (under the new manager).
“They’ve set some standards in the Premier League now and let’s see if we can maintain it (under Lopetegui).
“I’m really pleased it was a successful time at West Ham and I think that most people would probably agree with that. The people I’ve worked with have been successful and all the people I’ve enjoyed, and I hope that everybody else can continue it.”
Classy until the end David Moyes.
What a selfless message to sign off his time at the club.
Thank you to him and good luck to Lopetegui.
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