Zola backs hapless Green
06 Oct 2008 - 08:45:53
West Ham United manager Gianfranco Zola has backed Robert Green to bounce back after the hapless keeper was at fault for all three of Bolton's goals as the Hammers slumped to a 3-1 defeat to Gary Megson's side at Upton Park.
His handling error gifted Bolton striker Kevin Davies the opening goal before parrying a low shot straight to Gary Cahill who netted from close range to make it 2-0.
Although Carlton Cole pulled a goal back for the Hammers on the hour, Green then allowed Bolton substitute Matt Taylor's 35-yard free-kick to race past him.
However, Zola said of the former Norwich City shot-stopper after the match: "Robert Green is a great goalkeeper. He has all my trust, all of the team's trust. Everyone believes in him.
"It has been a bad day, but I am sure next game he is going to save two penalties - football is like that.
"The important thing is that you are always confident in what you are doing, because they are the right things to do for us.
"The players need to improve certain things, you need to improve the mentality. We have to improve and believe that it won't be like this every time.
"Sometimes games like this can help you make one step back in order to make two steps forwards. I hope it will be like that."