West Ham defender, Craig Dawson is anticipating a “tough” semi-final tie against Eintracht Frankfurt in 2021-22 UEFA Europa League.
Dawson has scored twice in eight Europa League appearances this season as West Ham stunned Sevilla and Lyon in their two knockout rounds, which meant that the Hammers are in their first major semi-final of any European competition for the first time since 1975-76 European Cup Winners’ Cup season.
The Hammers coincidentally will again face Eintracht Frankfurt in the semi-final like they did in that 75-76 season, which they won 4-3 on aggregate before losing to Anderlecht in the Final.
Dawson though is anticipating Frankfurt to provide “tough” opposition across both legs as he spoke to the West Ham’s official matchday programme ahead of the first leg at the London Stadium tomorrow (28 April).
On what he expects from the first leg against a team who knocked Barcelona out in the Quarter-Finals, Dawson said: “Of course, we’re all buzzing at the moment because we’re in a great position in Europe. That being said, there is no doubt this is going to be a really difficult game.
“You only need to look at their result against FC Barcelona in the quarter-final to know they are a very talented group of players.”
Dawson will be available for both legs of the semi-final despite being sent off in last Sunday’s Premier League defeat at Chelsea, with his ban only applying to the domestic league which means that he is definitely set to be rested for Sunday’s league clash at home to Arsenal.
The 31 year-old defender though has iterated that despite this semi-final looking “tough”, West Ham need to play the game and not occasion as he commented: “We may be in the semi-finals but we can’t get ahead of ourselves. We’re taking each game as it comes.”
Dawson also had praise for Eintracht Frankfurt as “a top side” after the Bundesliga club had beaten teams like Olympicaos, Real Betis and Barcelona to reach this stage, although he insists that West Ham “need to be at our best” across both legs to stand any chance of reaching the Final.
This season marked Dawson’s first season playing in any UEFA competition but he is eager for an “unbelievable” atmosphere at the London Stadium, as he noted how “The West Ham fans are so important to us and what we’re doing.”
Reflecting on the “special noise” at home throughout every Europa League match this season, Dawson spoke of how motivational the noise can be as he explained: “Looking back on the round of 16 match against Sevilla, the noise they made kept us going all the way.
“As I’ve already mentioned, they were excellent home and away against Lyon too, and we’re going to need that noise again from them.
“I know they’re going to turn up and be right behind us. The noise has been unbelievable for the last few games now and I’m sure it’s going to be even more crazy on Thursday.”
Leave a Reply