Let the game begin. The team and the coach are looking forward to it, that much is clear. We are in Vienna to realise our ambitions of remaining in the competition beyond the winter.
"If you want to get a lead on the competition, we have to win here. That is what we are here for."
This was our coach John van den Brom speaking at the press conference at the Allianz Stadium, Europe's ordinary "West Stadion", of Rapid Vienna. Flanked by Jhon Lucumí – "We want to show Europe how much quality there is in our group, and that starts here" – John van den Brom showed ambition. Assuming that West Ham is the strongest team in group, then yes, we have to need points from the other clubs. "And at Rapid, we need to go for the win," said our coach. It was a pleasant twenty minutes with John and Jhon, side by side. The coach openly expressed his gratitude, pride and joy at the extension of the contract of his left-footed driving force.
Training on Viennese soil
This was followed by an hour-long training session on a decent grass surface. Pretty tough, intense, with competitive spirit as always, including in finishing practice. At 20:00 it was time. The temperature at that time: 25 degrees. It is a bit muggy in the Austrian capital, it will be hot and humid at the time of the match tomorrow as well, thundery.
Shortly after noon, there was still some watery sunshine when the Genk delegation set foot on Viennese soil, after a flight of an hour and a quarter. The suitcases were a long time coming, until just after it was decided to leave for the hotel with the players and staff.
Apparently the same thing happened five years ago, a journalist remembered. Whether it is part of some kind of psychological warfare should not distract us. Tomorrow, in a friendly but also fanatical atmosphere, we want to take the first step of what we hope will be a memorable campaign.
