Source: SKY_Sports
Zola - Bellamy improved me
// A bit of a hack but it works// The article snippet is wrapped onto a second line, even when #article-sub is emptyif( $("div#article-sub").children().length == 0 ) {$("div#article-sub").remove();} Gianfranco Zola has revealed the confrontational personality of former West Ham striker Craig Bellamy made him a better manager.[LNB] The Hammers boss will be trying to counter the Welsh international's pace when Manchester City welcome Zola's side to Eastlands on Monday night.[LNB]And the Italian tactician has admitted managing Bellamy was a steep learning curve in his career as a Premier League boss after wrestling with the feisty personality of the controversial 30-year-old marksman.[LNB]"I loved working with him because he tested me a lot," said Zola. "He has such a fire inside and it can be hard, but if you approach him in the right way he can give you a lot of satisfaction.[LNB]In formBellamy is bang in form after netting a brace in City's 4-3 derby defeat to Manchester United in their last league outing and will be keen to put on another good show according to his former boss.[LNB]Zola said of West Ham's official website: "I think (Monday's game) will be massive as he has done very well.[LNB]"When he left, for the supporters he left on strange terms so he will be up for it. We are going to find a way to look after him. It is not going to be easy as he is a very good player but we will try."[LNB]Bellamy joined the City revolution last January, signing for his former international coach and Blackburn boss Mark Hughes.[LNB]Zola has struggled to replace his pace and verve and could hand 32-year-old Mexican striker Guillermo Franco his Hammers debut against City in a bid to kick-start a season which has struggled to ignite since they beat Wolves at Molineux on the first day of the season.[LNB]While West Ham have gleaned just four points from five matches and been knocked out of the Carling Cup by Bolton, Zola believes he is building a side capable of qualifying for a European place.[LNB]"I am getting close to getting the right combination," added the Italian.[LNB]
