Source: Eurosport
Clarke in no rush to sign deal
Assistant coach Steve Clarke has confirmed he is in negotiations to extend his contract at West Ham, along with manager Gianfranco Zola.But the former Chelsea number two, who signed a three-year deal earlier in the season, is in no hurry to make a decision.Zola and Clarke have been linked with a move to Chelsea when Guus Hiddink departs from Stamford Bridge after the FA Cup final at the end of May.West Ham's decision to offer the pair contract extensions is a clear indication of their desire to head off any potential move in the summer."Gianfranco is in discussions with the club about extending his contract," said Clarke. "The club have approached me about the same."We have had good discussions but I have only just arrived and already they are talking about extending so it means we have done something right."Discussions are ongoing but it will be sorted when it is sorted. There is no great rush to do anything. I signed here for almost three years and I will have two years left come the summer, so there is no rush. There is no rush on my side or the side of the club."I am enjoying my time here. I think it was a strange move for a lot of people when I came but I feel justified in making it."We would like to see the job out and finish seventh."Former Blue Zola still holds legendary status among Chelsea fans and he got a great reception, along with Clarke, when they earned a point at Stamford Bridge earlier in the season.But that was before Luiz Felipe Scolari was sacked and now the pair have to overcome a rejuvenated Chelsea under interim coach Hiddink on Saturday.The Dutchman insists Chelsea's title hopes are all but over after they failed to beat Everton on Wednesday night and Clarke, who spent over two decades at Stamford Bridge as a player and coach, agrees with him."I think it is too far for them," said Clarke. "If Manchester United win the game in hand, the gap will be too far. It all depends on Manchester United."But if Chelsea can't finish first, they will want to finish second. It will be a difficult game and we are aware of that."They are in the middle of a difficult run of matches with the Champions League coming up and I'm sure they will think about resting one or two players against us."But they won't want to lose a big London derby. Hopefully it will be an attractive game of football and we get the right result."We have been playing well recently and but we haven't beaten one of the big teams yet and it would be nice to start at the weekend."It is just another game for me. It is three more points in the chase for a place in Europe."I had great times at Chelsea but it has gone, it is in the past and I have to look forward. I am at West Ham now."[LNB]
