We needed a reality Czech
SOUCEK TO BOUNCE BACK
TOMAS SOUCEK admits losing at Wolves was a painful reality check for high-flying West Ham.
Before last weekend’s 1-0 defeat, David Moyes’ men were being likened to the Leicester side that defied 5,000-1 odds to lift the Premier League in 2016.
But they were brought crashing down to earth and now head to in-form Manchester City today with their feet firmly back on the ground, according to Soucek.
The Czech powerhouse said: “Last week we didn’t play well at Wolves. We didn’t deserve to win.
“Maybe it was a good slap in our face and showed us we need to be prepared for every game.
“We don’t want to be compared with Leicester.
“We will see where we are at the end of the season but we cannot think about the title or the top four or the top eight. We want to go step by step.”
Wise words given that the Hammers, fourth in the table coming into the weekend, face City, Brighton then table-topping Chelsea in the next week.
Glenn Hoddle claimed after Chelsea’s 4-0 midweek win over Juventus that the Blues are the best team in the world right now.
But Soucek, 26, feels such a statement is premature at this stage of the season – and that Pep Guardiola’s men and Liverpool both deserve to be in that conversation.
Asked who would top his list, the Irons midfielder replied: “We cannot say who’s the best now because there is Chelsea,
Manchester City and even Liverpool to be included.
“We cannot pick only one team and say they’re the best.
“They are the three at the top so maybe we can say they are the three best.”
So what does that say about Moyes’ magnificent East Londoners who are through to the Carabao Cup last eight and the knockout phase of the Europa League?
Soucek is adamant everyone will all have a far better idea about their potential to last the pace in the Premier League after their testing trio of forthcoming fixtures.
“When we look at the table we are very happy but we still have many games in front of us – and many hard games,” he added.
“Especially now, when we play City away, then Brighton and then play Chelsea.
“That’s one of the hardest weeks in the Premier League.
“After this we can say where we are.”
Certainly the Hammers, who beat Liverpool in the league last month and also knocked holders City out of the League Cup on penalties, appear to have no fears against the big boys these days.
Soucek, with only one goal this term, said: “I remember the City game. We played very well.
“They barely created a chance. It is good that we beat them as it gives us confidence for Sunday.”