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West Ham United manager Gianfranco Zola: First team stars will not be sold from under me
Hammers chief has the final say...
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6 Mar 2010 15:46:00
By David Middleton
West Ham United manager Gianfranco Zola has hit out at speculation suggesting he's not in control of his squad, with rumours circulating about the new regime at Upton Park undermining his authority.
The diminutive Italian is adamant he still has the final say when it comes to contract and transfer negotiations, despite talks with a number of key players being postponed until the close season.
New owners David Sullivan and David Gold are believed to have put off renewing deals with the club's top earners until the Hammers are assured of staving off relegation from the Premier League.
It's meant England internationals Robert Green and Matthew Upson, as well as play-maker Valon Behrami, are uncertain about their futures and may look for a commitment elsewhere.
However, Zola is confident he's in the driving seat and is being consulted every step of the way.
“Of course I have the final say. When it comes to football, I tell the owners my preferences and which players I want,” Zola told the Daily Mirror.
“I know there have been talks between [Valon] Behrami and the club and I believe they will talk again at the end of the season.
“I want Behrami to stay. I like him very much. But we have postponed everything until the end of the season because the future depends on what the club is doing next season.
“The future depends on the present. I think it is totally correct to do that. With the owners, the strategy is that we just want to make sure the club is fine for next year, we are safe and we are in a better position.”
The Hammers are sinking amid significant debts, and the new owners are contemplating cashing-in on the highly-rated Switzerland international Behrami.
West Ham are also facing an end of season relegation battle, with just three points separating them from the drop-zone and away fixtures at Chelsea and Arsenal on the horizon.
The diminutive Italian is adamant he still has the final say when it comes to contract and transfer negotiations, despite talks with a number of key players being postponed until the close season.
New owners David Sullivan and David Gold are believed to have put off renewing deals with the club's top earners until the Hammers are assured of staving off relegation from the Premier League.
It's meant England internationals Robert Green and Matthew Upson, as well as play-maker Valon Behrami, are uncertain about their futures and may look for a commitment elsewhere.
However, Zola is confident he's in the driving seat and is being consulted every step of the way.
“Of course I have the final say. When it comes to football, I tell the owners my preferences and which players I want,” Zola told the Daily Mirror.
“I know there have been talks between [Valon] Behrami and the club and I believe they will talk again at the end of the season.
“I want Behrami to stay. I like him very much. But we have postponed everything until the end of the season because the future depends on what the club is doing next season.
“The future depends on the present. I think it is totally correct to do that. With the owners, the strategy is that we just want to make sure the club is fine for next year, we are safe and we are in a better position.”
The Hammers are sinking amid significant debts, and the new owners are contemplating cashing-in on the highly-rated Switzerland international Behrami.
West Ham are also facing an end of season relegation battle, with just three points separating them from the drop-zone and away fixtures at Chelsea and Arsenal on the horizon.
| Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
|
| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £100 in free bets! |
|
| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
| Sign up with Paddy Power for a free bet up to £50 |
|
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