West Ham United captain Kevin Nolan has claimed that manager Slaven Bilic's team selection in their side's Europa League clash at Astra Giurgiu was a sign of prioritising Premier League survival over European progress.
The Hammers rang the changes in the second leg of their third qualifying round match in Romania and, despite Manuel Lanzini putting his side ahead three minutes in, a Constantin Budescu brace gave the hosts a 2-1 win on the night.
The result meant that the East London side were knocked out of the competition by an aggregate score of 4-3, but Nolan added that the 2-2 first-leg draw at Upton Park last week was more significant to their downfall.
Nolan told BBC Sport: "We started very brightly but got stuck in a bit of rut. Where we lost it over the two legs was at home. We are disappointed as a squad and team because we wanted to go through.
"The gaffer has shown in his selection that the main priority is the Premier League and to make sure we go to the Olympic Stadium in the Premier League. Who knows, it might be a blessing in disguise, but I'm not saying it's what we wanted."
West Ham open their Premier League season with a trip to Arsenal on Sunday, August 9.
Giuseppe Labellarte
