Gianfranco Zola Laughs Off Sack Reports

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EPL: Gianfranco Zola, West Bromwich Albion - West Ham United (PA)

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West Ham United’s win over Sunderland last weekend was their first victory in eight attempts and their next fixture sees them head to Anfield with reports on Merseyside suggesting the Sardinian may be sacked should the Reds win on Monday night.

However, the Hammers’ boss has hit back and according to sportinglife.com, insisted that he is not worried about reports linking him with an Upton Park exit.

“I'm not really concerned about these things,” said Zola before adding, “That doesn't change my attitude, my way to think.”

The former Chelsea star replaced Alan Curbishley at the helm of the Irons in September but has found management life difficult with his side just three points off the drop zone.

Last weekend’s win was vital for the Hammers and relieved some of the pressure but with finances also an issue at Upton Park, Zola admits results must improve. 

“I know with the wrong results my position might be difficult but that doesn't really give me too much pressure,” he explained before adding, “I'm 100% focused on doing my job as best as I can. But what others think doesn't matter to me.”

Zola also insisted that he would not be distracted by comments emanating from Liverpool and that he would pay them little attention.

“It's very strange. They can say whatever they want - it doesn't really bother me. I know what I have to do, I know what my task is,” said the Sardinian, “I don't really give too much attention to those things.”

However, the Hammers’ boss will be hoping his side can build on last weekend’s win but admitted he was expecting a tough game against the joint league leaders. He said: “Liverpool are going to come against us hard.”

Yet despite having lost five of their last eight outings, Zola insisted his side would not employ negative tactics against Liverpool but that they must be defensively sound.

“So first of all we need to defend well and keep our composure and then perhaps cause them problems,” explained Zola before concluding, “We are now very much focused on our defensive strategy. That doesn't mean that we will be passive.”

-- Gill Clark, Goal.com