Source: SKY_Sports
Zola ignores off-field problems
// 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();} West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola insists the financial problems at the club are not to blame for their poor form.[LNB] The Hammers have not won a Premier League game since the opening day of the season and currently lie second-bottom in the table alongside fellow cash-strapped sides Portsmouth and Hull City.[LNB]However, Zola's team came back from 2-0 down to snatch a draw against Arsenal last weekend, and the Italian insists off-the-field issues are not playing a part in the recent slump.[LNB]"I don't know if it is a coincidence," he said. "As far as I am concerned our financial situation is not affecting our performances.[LNB]"I can't judge for the others. Certainly it does not help, but you can do it without.[LNB]"Last year we did it (ignored distractions) and this year we can do it as well. I don't want to use it as an excuse for any of my players."[LNB]The plight of Pompey and the Tigers has taken some of the heat off Zola and[LNB]West Ham so far this season, but the Italian insists he is not focused on any other team but his own. [LNB]Pressure"I don't feel pleasure when the spotlight is on other people, or on other people's problems," he added.[LNB]"I just focus on myself and even when the spotlight is on us I try to be real[LNB]- I look at problems without allowing the pressure to get to me."[LNB]The Hammers head to Sunderland on Saturday, the scene of their first win in eight attempts at the beginning of Zola's reign last term, and he is hopeful of getting something from the trip to Wearside.[LNB]"It's a game we will try to win but it is not going to be easy," he said.[LNB]"Sunderland are a good team in good form so it will require one of our best performances.[LNB]"But it is encouraging how the team is playing recently and I am confident we can do well up there."[LNB]
