Slaven Bilic thinks West Ham can finish in the top 10 of the Premier League this season.
West Ham United boss Slaven Bilic has told BBC Sport’s Premier League Show that he is confident of a top ten finish this season, despite the club’s dismal start to the campaign.
The Hammers finished in seventh place in the Premier League last season, and with the move from Upton Park to the London Stadium, there was a real buzz about the club heading into the season – especially having kept Dimitri Payet even after his exploits for France at Euro 2016.
However, it’s been a disastrous season for West Ham so far, as they’ve won just twice at their new home and just three times in total in the Premier League this season, piling the pressure on manager Bilic.
West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic
Saturday’s 5-1 home defeat to London rivals Arsenal was another low point in a nightmare season for the Hammers, and they are hovering precariously above the relegation zone ahead of this weekend’s trip to face Liverpool.
Bilic’s men are just one point and one place above the drop zone, whilst they’re also just three points ahead of bottom club Swansea as West Ham prepare to be dragged into a relegation battle.
West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic
Croatian Bilic doesn’t think that though, as he spoke to BBC Sport’s Premier League Show about the struggles, and whilst he admitted that he isn’t happy with the current position, he still believes West Ham will recover and finish in the top ten this season.
“We are now in a position that we are not happy with,” said Bilic. “We are in a position that we have to bite our nails. I’m confident that we are going to be, at the minimum, top ten. We are not happy with the position we are in at the moment, and we have to change it. It’s my responsibility and I have to change it, I have to find a way,” he added.
West Ham currently lie six points behind tenth placed Bournemouth, so the gap is far from insurmountable, but and Bilic’s comments have caused a reaction on Twitter from Hammers supporters.
West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic
Some admired Bilic determination, and believe that he really can, if given time, guide West Ham to a top half finish given that injured players – such as Andy Carroll and Andre Ayew – are coming back to fitness.
Others felt that Bilic should concentrate on moving away from the relegation zone before setting such ambitious targets, and think he’s aiming a little too high given the club’s recent struggles.
Here are some of the reactions from West Ham fans after Bilic’s comments on a top 10 finish…
Do you think West Ham can finish in the top ten this season?
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