Such is the cut-throat nature of Premier League football, that managers sometimes have just a handful of games to demonstrate that they are capable of being a successful appointment. Especially if the team is hovering above the relegation zone after five defeats in six matches – it’s little wonder that the West Ham manager is now wearing a worried expression.
There’s little doubt that Gianfranco Zola is one of football’s Mr Nice Guys, and that many neutrals will be hoping that he can turn things around at Upton Park. After all, the Hammers are just one of many teams on a similar number of points at this stage in the season, although they need to find a win from somewhere after their collapse to Everton on Saturday afternoon. The Daily Mail reports that the Italian is struggling for answers.
Shell-shocked after watching his side surrender victory to Everton and with it the Hammers’ chance of a first clean sheet at the 24th attempt, Zola struggled to find an explanation. ‘You are asking me questions that, right now, I cannot answer,’ he said.
‘I am going to be working on that during the week. I have got a fantastic staff and we are going to be finding solutions. I’ve had so many difficult moments in my career and I never let myself down. I am going to do the same now; it’s the only way I know how to react.’
The West Ham manager is currently among the favourites to be the next leaving his Premier League post, but do the fans just think that Zola needs more time to turn things around? After all, they have been playing some lovely football in recent weeks, although it seems a lack of cutting edge is coming back to haunt them.
Discuss the latest transfer gossip at the Brand New COS forum!