West Ham midfielder Tomas Soucek says the players are excited being involved in the Europa League.

Last season's Conference League winners will meet Serbia's Backa Topola tomorrow night.

Soucek said today: "We're very excited. We all remember last year and how good the tournament was. We still remember the final in Prague and we're happy to go again. Everyone is excited for the Europa League to start again tomorrow.

"We want to enjoy another year because we are enjoying European football. We get more games and are playing almost every Thursday and Sunday, and the people love it. We as players love it too. Our first game is tomorrow and we want to play in all them.

"I feel this squad may be the strongest I've played with at West Ham. It's different type of players but we all have individual qualities, and this makes a great squad.

"With the quality of these players and our mentality, it's certainly one of the best I've known since being here.

"I like to be a leader, like I try to be for the Czech Republic. I've been here a while now and I like to help other players both on and off the pitch. As the years go on, I'm here longer and longer, and I think with that my place is higher in that regard.

"My behaviour is the same though - I just want to be helpful. But, being a leader, it's not about how long you are here. It's about your helpfulness."