Tom Oldfield


Gianfranco Zola was fazed by little as a player, despite his small frame, and can look back on an outstanding 21-year career. In addition to the silverware he won during stints with Napoli, Parma and Chelsea, the Italian also paved the way for foreign players to prosper in England and cemented his place as one of the most popular footballers of his generation. His weaving runs and trademark curling free-kicks put him among the finest imports to ever grace the Premier League.
 
But Zola now faces a different challenge in his first full season as West Ham manager, having swapped his playmaking role for one prowling the touchline. For all his technical prowess as a player, he is currently relying on a new skill set and, with the Hammers making a sluggish start, his man-management and tactical nous are being severely tested.
 
The first few months of the campaign have not been particularly memorable for West Ham supporters. In fact, a string of disappointing results has left Zola looking nervously over his shoulder as the club slipped into the drop zone. Despite masterminding a ninth place finish last season against the odds, the Italian has struggled to replicate those performances and some pundits fear he may face the axe unless the Hammers’ fortunes improve.
 
But there are definitely signs of life at Upton Park. Although West Ham remain in the drop zone and have not won since the opening day of the season against Wolves, there is no sulking, no finger pointing to be seen. Morale appears to be high and, critically, the players seem united behind Zola. Times are tough but the squad has not buckled yet.
 
Defender Matthew Upson, set to travel in the England squad to the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, told reporters this week: “Everyone is behind the manager. We have been penalised for every mistake we have made this season, and it has cost us. Criticism is going to come your way, especially as a manager, and I am sure he is used to dealing with it. We will take the criticism on the chin, do something about it and come back in a positive way for him.”
 
That process began at home to Arsenal on Sunday, with the Hammers earning a precious point after falling two goals behind before half-time. At times, the Gunners tormented Zola’s midfield and back four but the Italian could take comfort from the spirit shown by his troops, who staged a rousing fightback to score twice in the final 16 minutes. The character on display bodes well for the tests ahead.
 
Making Upton Park a fortress once more must be high on Zola’s wish list. So far, the Hammers have taken just two points from their four Premier League home games, although admittedly they have already hosted Liverpool and Arsenal. West Ham have a string of winnable fixtures ahead if they produce their 2008/09 form and a strong run would ease the strain for Zola heading into the busy Christmas period. He will be focused on taking things one game at a time but will know that a winning streak of two or three games could be the catalyst for a respectable league finish.
 
The jury is still out on a number of the Italian’s signings but there have been flashes of promise. Alessandro Diamanti, who arrived from Livorno for around £6M, came off the bench against Arsenal and provided the spark that turned the match on its head while Mexican Guillermo Franco is technically sound but needs more time to adapt to English football.
 
The key for Zola and the reason why the Hammers’ lowly league position is likely to be only temporary is the strong home-grown core. Undoubtedly, the likes of Diamanti and Swiss international Valon Behrami bring quality to the mix but it is the battle-hardened spine that will keep West Ham safe this year. From England keeper Rob Green to Upson to the tigerish Scott Parker and Graham Noble in midfield and Carlton Cole up front, Zola can call upon experienced, gutsy performers who will not let him down. They know life in the Premier League inside out and must set the example for their team-mates. Sooner or later, the victories will start rolling in.
 
Young guns Jack Collison and James Tomkins also have important roles to play. Their fearless approach has brought rave reviews and it is this desire and energy that will be needed in the West Ham revival. Though it is a cliché and has been disproved by the fates suffered by Leeds and Newcastle among others, there is still the feeling that the Hammers are far too good to be dragged into a relegation scrap and that Zola will get the side back on track in the near future.
 
The Italian might be just starting out in his managerial career but he has already shown that he is a fast learner. He is respected, has a good relationship with his players and will not rest until the team’s slump becomes a thing of the past. The second half against Arsenal displayed many of the Hammers’ qualities and, so long as Zola keeps spirits high, West Ham should be just fine.

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