Gianfranco Zola shares his disappointment at another narrow defeat but brings good news on the injury front...
It is very difficult for me to comment about a game like that. We had I don’t know how many chances but they had only two - and that is a big question mark for me, because how can we lose a game like that? Carlton Cole is a big player for us but it is something we have to cope with. The other day we did very well without him but today we couldn’t do the same. We know that Carlton is a big asset. Players, they fight until the end and that will be a massive point for them.
I think we started very well and had a couple of chances but couldn’t convert them. They had only one shot in the first half, but what can you do? We will have to have even more desire. When I look into things right now all I can see is that they tried until the end. Physically we were very good but we need to improve a little bit and we are going to work at that. The most important thing?
Who knows [on starting Diamanti]? When he came on he had a very good impact like Hines did the other day. I know when he comes in he is effective and that’s why I prefer him to start later.
It shouldn’t be too bad [for Cole] and fingers crossed, he should be ready for the next game. I don’t think he will be fit for England. I think Capello wants his players fit so I don’t know. If he didn’t play for us, it is I going to be difficult to play for England.
It feels bad [to be in the bottom three] and is not very pleasant, but the team is fighting. Yes, we are making mistakes - but we are fighting, and they want to change things and that is the most important thing. I am not worried as we can improve the situation.
I am disappointed because they deserved something more than that. I am concerned as is everyone around West Ham. We are going to fight until the end and find the solutions as quick as possible. I am confident and I have asked the players to believe they are the best in the Premier League for me. We are determined to make things different.
It doesn’t help that we can’t do anything [during the international break] but we are not the only team in that situation so I am not going to complain. It is a big game [on Saturday week against Hull]. They won so will be full of confidence. It was always going to be a tough match but we are prepared for that.
I don’t know [whether Dean Ashton will have to retire]. Until somebody tells me he is not going to make it I am confident and hopeful that he will come back. For the boy and for us I can’t say more than that.
He is not involved. He is working his way back with his own physio and fitness. I don’t know when he may be back.* Something to say about this story? Please visit the KUMB Forum to leave a comment.
