Source: SKY_Sports
Clarke backs tough Zola
Steve Clarke feels West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola is right to lay the down the law to his players.
The Hammers have endured a disappointing start to the 2009/10 campaign and currently occupy a standing inside the Premier League relegation zone.
A lacklustre 3-1 defeat at Manchester City on Monday night kept them inside the bottom three, much to the frustration of coach Zola.
The mild-mannered Italian was left fuming after the Eastlands showing and will be demanding a positive response when West Ham face capital rivals Fulham on Sunday.
Clarke said: "I've seen him angry before - I've known him a long time. On Monday night we were all a little bit frustrated. It was a game where we didn't play as well as we have done.
"Decisions also went against us at certain times and it all added up to frustration.
"We have had a good week since then, the players have worked hard and we are looking forward to it.
"He is a very positive person who tries to transmit that to the group and he does that very well."
The Hammers have now lost their last four games in all competitions, leaking 10 goals, and assistant manager Clarke accepts that there are issues which need to be addressed.
Spirit"We haven't defended set plays as well as we have done previously so we have worked on that in training," he added.
"Third from bottom is where we are right now so we have to rectify that on Sunday. That's where we are and we have to look at moving up from there.
"Hopefully we can prove we are in a false position - that's what we have to do."
While the recent run has done little to inspire confidence within the Upton Park camp, Clarke insists it has not crushed morale either.
He said: "Tougher is a mental thing. Everybody has to pull together and work harder.
"We lost a game on Monday night - it's not a disaster.
"Morale has not gone down as much as people think. The spirit is still good in the camp.
"We have a lot of good players, are a good unit and work well together. Monday was a disappointment we have to put behind us.
"If you lose experienced players it is always going to have a detrimental effect."
