Source: Team_Talk
Bilic won't be drawn on Hammers
Former West Ham defender Slaven Bilic has refused to answer questions linking him with the managerial vacancy at Upton Park.[LNB] The highly-rated Croatia manager abruptly ended a press conference arranged to preview tomorrow's international friendly against Wales in Osijek when asked about reports linking him with the Hammers.[LNB]Bilic was installed as one of the favourites for the post when Gianfranco Zola was sacked earlier this month, but his name has faded in recent days following the resignation of Avram Grant at Portsmouth.[LNB]Grant is now considered the most likely contender but Bilic is still unwilling to declare his interest or discuss the subject.[LNB]When asked about the matter the 41-year-old waved away the question and stood up to leave the room at the Gradski Stadium.[LNB]That came after he had spoken of his regard for his opposite number tomorrow, the Wales manager John Toshack, and respect for his team.[LNB]Former Liverpool striker Toshack has managed clubs such as Real Madrid, Deportivo La Coruna and Besiktas in a distinguished career.[LNB]Bilic said: "Who am I to judge John Toshack? When I was a kid he was one of the greatest strikers in Europe with Liverpool and he managed Real Madrid and other top clubs.[LNB]"As a player and a manager he has had a great career.[LNB]"He is Welsh and I know that he is enjoying this job and I have a big respect for him."[LNB]Toshack will field an under-strength side after being denied the services of 15 senior players.[LNB]Eight of them have withdrawn since the initial squad was announced last week and only 17 made the trip to eastern Croatia.[LNB]"I expect it will be a tough and very competitive game," said Bilic, who after guiding Croatia to the Euro 2008 quarter-finals, failed in his quest to qualify for the World Cup.[LNB]"It is a young team I know, and they are without some of their players - but it is only four or five major players such as (Craig) Bellamy, (Gareth) Bale, (James) Collins, (Simon) Davies.[LNB]"We were without 12 players on Wednesday night against Austria and played one of our best games of the year.[LNB]"Those new guys are good players, they are hungry and so proud when they have a chance to play for Wales."[LNB]Croatia, who beat Austria 1-0 in midweek, are making a rare visit to Osijek, Croatia's fourth largest city and home town of legendary player Davor Suker.[LNB]"The stadium is going to be packed, the pitch is big and it will be a really good test that is useful for us and Wales," added Bilic.
