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. 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.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."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.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.Zola said of West Ham's official website: "I think (Monday's game) will be massive as he has done very well."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."Bellamy joined the City revolution last January, signing for his former international coach and Blackburn boss Mark Hughes.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.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."I am getting close to getting the right combination," added the Italian.