Source: SKY_Sports
Zola maintains top-four aim
Gianfranco Zola insists he is as committed as ever to turning West Ham into a side that can challenge the 'big teams'.
Despite a turbulent start to life as a league manager, Zola steered West Ham to a ninth place finish last term and after reaching 12 months in the job this week, the Italian tactician has targeted further progress from his young side.
But with the likes of Manchester City, Tottenham, Aston Villa and Everton also competing to break into the top four, and with financial constraints continuing to linger over Upton Park, Zola is realistic that his ambition will be a lengthy process.
But the Hammers boss, who welcomes Liverpool on Saturday, hopes his team can lay down a marker against Rafa Benitez's title hopefuls.
"I believe in this project just as much as then (12 months ago)," Zola told the London Evening Standard. "We have confidence in what we're doing and we believe we will succeed.
"I know there have been many problems over the last year and probably that has slowed down the process but I am patient. I am not in a hurry and I know we are going to get there.
"It is a medium or long-term project and it involves working with the young players and one day, hopefully, challenging the big teams.
"It is very difficult and very ambitious and I don't hide this fact but I believe that, in life, you have to be ambitious and if you try your best, work hard enough and you're lucky, maybe you can achieve your goals."
