Lucas Paqueta failed to inspire West Ham as they slipped to a 1-0 defeat in the first leg of their Europa League last 16 tie with Freiburg.
After back-to-back wins in the Premier League, profligate West Ham were beaten 1-0 by Freiburg in Europe.
Lucas Paqueta struggled and the Hammers missed a host of gilt-edged chances which leaves their hopes of making the Europa League quarter-finals in the balance.
As group winners West Ham get to play the second leg at the London Stadium.
All to do in the second leg for West Ham
But “home advantage” threatens to be seriously diminished after David Moyes’ side were handed the reviled 5.45pm kick-off slot next week.
It means thousands of West Ham fans must somehow get off work early and battle through peak rush hour to make it to the ground for the game.
Young West Ham fans will also struggle to attend with most schools not finishing until gone 3pm.
A night for patience but Hammers must attack
With Freiburg having something to hold on to, it could be a night for patience at the London Stadium.
And that is not a trait most West Ham fans – myself included – are blessed with.
Paqueta was poor in Germany – as he was against Everton. There are obvious mitigating circumstances as he has only recently returned from six weeks out.
A big performance is needed from West Ham’s Brazilian magnifico next week.
Paqueta sends message to West Ham fans after Freiburg
Now Paqueta has sent an honest message to West Ham fans and issued a rallying cry.
Taking to social media, Paqueta admitted it was a bad day for the Hammers in Germany.
But he wants West Ham fans to stick with the team and push them to victory in the second leg.
“Today wasn’t a good day for us,” Paqueta said overnight alongside heart, praying hands and Hammers emojis.
“But we have the chance to decide it at home in front of our supporters.
“Let’s go together until the end!”
West Ham fans will know full well from recent experience, the away goals rules was scrapped a few years ago.
That means should the Hammers be level with Freiburg at the end of the 90 minutes, extra-time – and penalties if needed – will be played.
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