Exclusive VLADIMIR COUFAL: I was messaging with Declan Rice, if he has the chance to score tomorrow he will score. He knows he can send West Ham down but football's a business

Exclusive by Alessandro Schiavone at PreZero Arena, Hoffenheim

Capital Football London travelled to Germany to speak with ex-West Ham United and new Hoffenheim right-back Vladimir Coufal. The Czech Republic international, who spent five years at the London Stadium, is lighting up the Bundesliga and playing a key role in Hoffenheim’s push for Champions League qualification.

Following his side’s 1–0 win over SV Werder Bremen on Saturday afternoon, we preview West Ham’s must-win game against Arsenal tomorrow. Here is what he said.

Vladimir, thanks for talking to us. How do you see West Ham’s chances of upsetting Arsenal tomorrow? As fate has had it, there aren’t only three points at stake. But a win would boost the Hammers' survival chances, push bitter rivals Tottenham Hotspur closer to the brink and potentially deny Arsenal the title. It’s 3 for 1.

“As you said, it’s three opportunities. But they will be focused only on themselves. It’s such an opportunity for them to ‘outplay’ the rivals but they have to be focused just on themselves. We have to play our game… I still say ‘our’, sorry. I am still there (Coufal smiles). West Ham just have to play their game: their philosophy, set-pieces, be tough to beat and give everything. And I think with the help of the fans, who will be right behind them tomorrow, they will get it tomorrow. The fans will be right on their feet.”

Is this game taking on even bigger proportions than the Conference League final three years ago? Sure, the Conference League was a big opportunity to win a trophy after many decades and qualify for the Europa League. But the importance of staying in the Premier League cannot be overstated for clubs nowadays. So how does it compare?

“You know it’s a difficult question because the season when we won a trophy we also fought against relegation (at the same time). But a lot of fans were saying that they want to win a trophy even if we should get relegated. I wasn’t absolutely sure about it because I didn’t want relegation. But obviously we were good enough to survive AND then won the Conference League. It was great and I think they will do it tomorrow as well.”

Would going down be a disaster?

“I am no longer at the club… but for me as a West Ham fan it would be a bad situation. But I am obviously optimistic and I am behind the boys ’til the last second. Even if they didn’t get a result tomorrow, there will still be two games to go. They can win in Newcastle and the last game is Leeds at home. No problem at all. I hope they will show the togetherness tomorrow, which I was told has returned since Nuno Espírito Santo took over. I hope they survive.”

Are you gonna send Declan Rice a message tonight begging him NOT to hurt West Ham tomorrow? (Smiles) And how difficult will it be for him?

“I follow Declan a lot, I wrote him a few messages recently about his performances. I said it many times that he will become the best number 8 or number 6 in the world. I think he IS already. He’s playing unbelievable football… this guy has absolutely EVERYTHING. Right foot, his speed, power, dribbling, his shot, left foot… I think he’s delivering it now in Arsenal. And he’s leading them to a title but I imagine for him it’s gonna be a very ‘check mate’ situation because he knows he can send West Ham to the Championship. But football is a business, a tough business and there will be no mercy tomorrow. Arsenal will play for the title and when Declan will have the chance to score he will score, that’s for sure.”

PART TWO WILL BE RELEASED ON WEDNESDAY