JAKARTA - David Moyes admitted that he was a little disappointed that West Ham United had to visit Rapid Wien's headquarters without an audience during their Europa League Group H match at the Allianz Stadium, Vienna, Austria, Friday morning.
Matches without spectators had to take place as the Austrian government imposed a nationwide lockdown following a spike in COVID-19 cases in the country.
"It's quite disappointing that we weren't able to get the fantastic stadium atmosphere we heard from the staff. It's a shame the crowd couldn't attend," Moyes said, quoted by Antara from West Ham's official website, Thursday.
Allianz Stadion, Vienna Another big European match waits. COME ON YOU IRONS!! pic.twitter.com/3lk52dunhj
— West Ham United (@WestHam) November 24, 2021
"I am also disappointed that there were no West Ham fans in attendance, even my family was looking forward to the opportunity to come to Vienna and unfortunately that was not allowed," he added.
Moyes hopes his players can overcome the awkwardness of returning to playing in an empty stadium again, after the last few months being able to perform normally in the Premier League and other competitions.
Apart from that, Moyes emphasized that his main target is to finish the job of beating Rapid in order to lock up Group H and qualify for the last 16 of the Europa League.
However, Moyes is aware that Rapid will put up a tough fight, as the Austrian club demonstrated in West Ham's 2-0 win in London at the end of September.
"I want to get the job done, but given our good start to the competition, it gives us the opportunity to maneuver a bit," he said.
"It will be a tough match, as in London we are preparing for an equal match," concluded Moyes.
West Ham currently top Group H with 10 points and a win will ensure they qualify for the last 16 as Group H winners.
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