Jarrod Bowen has called on West Ham fans to create another special European night atmosphere at the London Stadium this evening.
The Hammers face Freiburg for a place in the quarter-finals of the Europa League trailing 1-0 from the first leg in Germany.
An early exit would leave their season in danger of fizzling out, and Bowen believes the fans will have a crucial role as West Ham bid to create more European history.
“We’ve been here before,” Bowen told Standard Sport. “I think of the Sevilla game [at the same stage in 2021-22] as one, even those first-leg games — Frankfurt at home and Lyon at home and AZ Alkmaar, too.
“When we get that atmosphere going and the stadium is bouncing, it’s difficult for any team to come here and beat us.
“We’re going to need another one of them, we’re 1-0 down with a chance to go into the quarter-final of a European competition, so we’re going to need absolutely everyone.
“We have to be the ones to get the first goal. If we get that first goal, the fans will really think we can go on and get the next one.”
Due to the number of teams from Germany and Britain still in the competition and the need for ties to be split across the broadcast slots, UEFA have scheduled a 5:45pm kick-off.
“It is a bit random,” said Bowen. “It’s a difficult time, but we know the fans will be there in their numbers.
“It’s down to us to put in the performance to get the fans behind us as well. The fans come to watch us play and watch us play well, so we have to do that.”
Emerson Palmieri faces a late fitness test on Thursday after he suffered a leg injury in Germany last week.
Play your part in West Ham’s biggest match of the season so far as they take on Freiburg in a decisive European knockout game at London Stadium tonight at 5.45pm. Secure your seat on eticketing.co.uk/whufc, with junior tickets available from just £10.
