Nikola Vlašić: We're a really ambitious team

 

 

Nikola Vlašić says West Ham will not rest in their quest to top UEFA Europa League Group H ahead of Thursday's home meeting with Belgian Cup holders Genk.

The Hammers sit at the head of the group after 2-0 wins over both Dinamo Zagreb and Rapid Vienna to kick-off their campaign, and they know a similar result at London Stadium would keep them there.

Vlašić, who joined the Club in August from CSKA Moscow, is hoping for a big performance both personally and from the team as they target another memorable European night - especially with the carrot of heading straight to the Round of 16 should they win the group.

"It makes everything easier [if we win the group] because of the [format of the] knockout stages of the competition," the Croatian explained. "The manager has told us he wants us to win every game, so we're really ambitious in the team and we are aware of our abilities.

"We can challenge in every game and most of the games, we can win.

"Genk are a good team. We've watched them and they're a team that likes to play with the ball and keep possession of it.

"If we are on our level, I think we should win this game."

 

Vlašić has already played six games in Claret & Blue in his first month-and-a-half as a Hammer and he is determined to kick-on and establish himself in east London.

 

"My first impressions are very good. I talked with the players and they said I came at the right time for the Club. The atmosphere is great and everyone is full of energy, excited for the season," he continued

"It's a different situation and the Club has more ambition and is more energised, so it feels amazing.

"I feel good at the Club and around the Club, with the coach and all the players. I think it's going very well.

"I see tonight as an opportunity, but when I came here I knew the players West Ham had. The last six weeks we've had good results so there's been tough competition. I think I'm capable, I just need to work hard."