The West Ham United boss has had plenty of off-field issues to deal with this season.
West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic
Hammers boss Slaven Bilic sat down for an exclusive interview with the club’s official website, and responded to recent rumours that suggested he had fallen out with West Ham striker Diafra Sakho before their clash with Sunderland on Saturday.
The Senegal international has had to endure a terribly frustrating campaign this season, making just three appearances after aggravating a serious back problem that eventually required an operation.
The 27-year-old joined the Hammers from Metz in the summer of 2014, for a fee believed to be in the region of £3.5 million, and instantly endeared himself to the West Ham faithful with his highly energetic displays.
It looked like he was set to leave the club last summer, however, and was on the verge of sealing a switch to West Bromwich Albion, before he dramatically failed a medical.
And the Irish Sun reported on Sunday that Bilic and Sakho became entrenched in a huge row after the striker refused to be part of the Hammers’ substitutes bench ahead of the game against the Black Cats.
The Croatian fiercely denied these claims, however, during an exclusive interview with WHUFC.com:
Diafra Sakho celebrates
“It was in the ‘papers that I had a row with Diaf, but no, there is no rift between us. I called Diaf on the day we travelled to Sunderland and asked him what was happening because he got injured and all that. He said ‘I am only frustrated because I have a small injury but I hope to be back for the game against Everton’ and we will see that. There was no argument whatsoever between us. I can say from my direct conversation with Diaf that it’s not the case and it’s not true what it said in the ‘papers.”
It will be very interesting to see what part Sakho has to play over the remainder of West Ham’s season, and if he isn’t utilised by Bilic, questions will surely be asked once again concerning the relationship between the pair.
West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic
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