Source: Telegraph
West Ham's Gianfranco Zola confidant of Europe place despite West Brom setback
The Hammers' failure to beat bottom club west Bromwich Albion, without key players missing through injury and suspension, highlighted their failings, but Zola believes next season's Europa League remains a target. [LNB]If Arsenal overcome Hull in tonight's FA Cup, the finalists in that competition are almost certainly going to be teams that have already qualified for Europe through their League position. [LNB] Related ArticlesWest Ham 0 West Brom 0[LNB]Settlement in Tevez affair[LNB]Premier League action[LNB]Zola's European dream[LNB]Behrami sidelined for six months[LNB]West Brom and Cardiff return to league action[LNB]Than means the team that finishes seventh should play in Europe and West ham remain in that position with nine games to go. [LNB]"We have obviously a few injury problems, big players missing for us, but we are going to have a go at qualifying for Europe," insisted Zola. "We are going to try. Obviously it's going to be harder than before, but we'll still try."[LNB]West Ham's next test is a trip to Blackburn followed by a home game against Sunderland. Carlton Cole, missing through suspension last night, will be back at Ewood Park but key midfielders Valon Behrami and Jack Collison are out for the season. [LNB]Zola admitted the lack of players is a hindrance, adding: "It certainly doesn't help. We knew exactly what the problems could but, that's why tried desperately to play differently (against west Brom). [LNB]"To be honest, we were not the same team we've been at other times, but I have to say that West Brom were strong and played a very good match. They are a team that is last in the table but they play good football and they are a dangerous team."[LNB]Zola will check on key defender Matthew Upson today after the England man was stretchered off early in the goalless draw, the third Hammer to leave by the same means in three games. [LNB]Despite the problems, West Ham's fans were restless, booing their players off at the end. [LNB]But Zola accepts that response, adding: "It's okay. We know the supporters are very demanding all the time. It doesn't bother me very much. The only thing is that, next time, we'll try to be better. They make me find solutions."[LNB]Meanwhile, West Ham have granted Academy Director Tony Carr, 58, a testimonial following 36 years' service at Upton Park. [LNB]
