The natural winger has been controversially utilised in a more defensive role by Bilic.
West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic has said, as quoted by the Mirror, that Michail Antonio will have to get used to the idea of playing at right-back despite scoring on his return to a midfield role this weekend.
Antonio has been utilised mostly on the right-hand side of defence so far this season after doing well in the role in the latter half of last season.
His continued usage in defence has drawn criticism this term, however, with the player often looking uncomfortable and unhappy in the position and making one or two high-profile errors.
That led to calls for Bilic to restore the former Nottingham Forest man to his favoured role, and when the manager did that in the league opener at the London Stadium on Sunday he repaid his boss by scoring the late winner in a 1-0 victory over Bournemouth.
However, Bilic has confirmed that he will likely use Antonio at right-back on more occasions this season, stressing that what is best for the team comes before any individual player’s preferences.
Bilic said, via the Mirror: “You want your players to be as comfortable as possible. But what the team requires is more important.
“Rule number one if you want to stand any chance is you have to be humble and sacrifice for the team, like he did last year.
“I have told him it will be mixed. He’s going to play where the team needs him.”
That news will likely frustrate Hammers fans, who know how useful Antonio is when utilised in his natural position on the wing.
However, Antonio may not be needed at right-back if Bilic can bring in a player of that position in the remaining nine days of the transfer window.
The Hammers are reportedly interested in signing Newcastle United man Daryl Janmaat.
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