The West Ham boss cannot avoid talking about relegation as he acknowledges how important December is.
West Ham United boss Slaven Bilic has told BBC Sport that he knows the next few games are pivotal in the context of both the club’s season and his own future.
Bilic is under intense pressure after last weekend’s 5-1 home thrashing against London rivals Arsenal left them just a point outside the relegation zone having won none and lost four of their last six games in all competitions.
Though co-chairman David Sullivan came out in support of the Croatian earlier this week, there needs to be a drastic improvement in form for the Hammers over the next few weeks if they are to avoid being drawn into a genuine relegation battle.
Bilic did not shy away from using the dreaded R word, and admitted that the flurry of games over the remaining weeks in December will be the true test of whether he and the club can save their season.
The Croatian boss admitted to BBC Sport: “We are in a position we are not happy with and where we have to bite our nails.
“We are not directly talking about relegation but straight after your game you have to look at the results here and the results there. It’s not ideal.
“I feel the support of the fans, the team and the board. My next few games are my test.”
December is often a make-or-break month, as a result of it serving as the relative midway point of the season and the fact that games come so thick and fast.
The Hammers have five games before the end of the year, starting with an ominous trip to Anfield to face Liverpool this weekend.
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