Source: Eurosport
Clarke In No Rush To Sign
Assistant coach Steve Clarke has confirmed he is in negotiations to extend his contract at West Ham, along with manager Gianfranco Zola.[LNB]But the former Chelsea number two, who signed a three-year deal earlier in the season, is in no hurry to make a decision.[LNB]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.[LNB]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.[LNB]"Gianfranco is in discussions with the club about extending his contract," said Clarke. "The club have approached me about the same.[LNB]"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.[LNB]"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.[LNB]"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.[LNB]"We would like to see the job out and finish seventh."[LNB]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.[LNB]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.[LNB]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.[LNB]"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.[LNB]"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.[LNB]"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.[LNB]"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.[LNB]"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.[LNB]"It is just another game for me. It is three more points in the chase for a place in Europe.[LNB]"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]
