Source:Westhamzone
Harry Redknapp reacted to West Ham v Bayer Leverkusen
Harry Redknapp has insisted the crowd at the London Stadium could play a major part when Bayer Leverkusen visit for the Europa League quarter-final second leg.
The Hammers fell to a 2-0 defeat in Germany which Redknapp insists has given them a mountain to climb in the second leg, but he has told the club to pile the pressure on their opponents.
The former West Ham boss explained that a 0-0 or even a 1-0 scoreline would have been a good result to take back to London but 2-0 may have put the result beyond the Hammers' reach.
Speaking live on talkSPORT [12 April, 08:09], Redknapp shared: "I think West Ham at home, that crowd is going to be so important with the atmosphere next week.
"They've got to come out and get after Leverkusen right for the first whistle to show them just what a difficult night it's going to be there next week. The crowd can play a major part.
"I thought they did well last night. I watched the whole game, they had a great opportunity in the first half to score and go one up. You're sitting with ten minutes to go at 0-0 thinking what a great result going back home all square.
"Even at 1-0 you're thinking it's fine but now they've got a mountain to climb at 2-0, they are a good side but you never know. It'll be a great night and a great atmosphere."
West Ham must change style in second leg v Leverkusen David Moyes has received some criticism for the way his side set up to defend in Germany after two late goals saw a frustrating defeat in which the Hammers had just one shot in the game - an effort from outside the box by Mohammed Kudus after good work from Michail Antonio.
Join the West Ham Zone WhatsApp channel to get all our exclusives and the breaking transfer news FIRST.
It was somewhat of a throwback to previous displays this season which had built up pressure on the boss' job given the frustrating style and lack of entertainment, combined with a poor result despite the tough game.
However, Redknapp's insistence that the Hammers will be forced to play on the front foot at the London Stadium with the crowd behind them could see a dramatic change in style from Moyes in the second leg.
David Moyes has had a mixed season at West Ham Pressure on the manager is likely to ramp up again in the wake of a frustrating result in Europe as the Hammers reverted to their deep block and looked to counter with no joy, and a change in style will now be necessary.
In other West Ham news, officials have jetted out to Greece in a new transfer update.