Back together again: Areola tips Kehrer to be a success
- by Staff Writer
- Wednesday, 17th August 2022
Alphonse Areola has backed his former Paris St Germain team mate Thilo Kehrer to be a success at West Ham United.
The German international joined Areola at the club earlier today in a £12million switch from the French champions, a matter of weeks after the goalkeeper converted his season-long loan spell into a permanent five-year contract.And Areola, who is set to return to the starting XI against Viborg in Thursday night's Conference League clash is convinced Kehrer has the ability to become a popular character at the London Olympic Stadium.
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Areola and Kehrer embrace following a Champions League tie against Napoli n 2018
Areola and Kehrer embrace following a Champions League tie against Napoli n 2018
"I think he is a good player," responded the stopper, when asked about his new teammate's ability.
"He's good with his feet and has good experience as well. He has played with some of the greatest players in the world and has that experience in European competition. He will bring plenty of experience and quality.
"It is helpful [having player alongside each other before] because you have gone through lots of games together. We played for a year-and-a-half together in lots of games. It’s always good to have that on the pitch and it’s good to be confident with all the players."
With regards to the tie against the in-form Danish outfit, Areola believes West Ham have a great opportunity to go far in the competition - which he insisted should not be viewed as inferior to the Europa League in which the club enjoyed so much success last season.
"It’s a European competition and a good opportunity to play in Europe again," he insisted.
"You cannot just put a European competition to the side and say it’s lower than the Champions League and Europa League. You have to win the games and aim to win the competition.
"We did something great in Europe [last season] and we want to do better this year. When you’re in Europe you want to win and that’s what we’ll be looking to do.
"We showed lots of good things last season and we are here to compete in the Conference. We will give our best to get to the final stages. You have to push yourself to be as good as you can."
And with regards to his likely inclusion in the team, a role he enjoyed in the Europa League last season, Areola revealed he was chomping at the bit to play again.
"Obviously when you are a competitor you want to play as much as you can," he said. "I’m here to give my best to help the team so every opportunity I have to play, I’m ready."
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