Zola determined to keep hold of top stars
Saturday, 06 Dec 2008 11:32
Zola expects to keep hold of his best talent in January
West Ham United manager Gianfranco Zola says he does not expect to be forced to sell top players in the January transfer window.
It has been rumoured that the Hammers could sell some of their top players, such as Dean Ashton and Matthew Upson, due to the financial crisis in Iceland where owner Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson has much of his business.
While Zola admits some players may be sold but he does not expect the likes of Ashton and Upson to be among them.
He said: "We will consider selling some of them but we are not going to sell the best players. They [Ashton and Upson] are among the best players we have."
Zola says the board have assured him that he will not be forced to sell anyone against his wishes – something that former boss Alan Curbishley claims was behind his decision to quit three games into this season.
The Italian says he has total confidence in the board. He added: "This club wants to progress so we are not going to sell our best players. This is what I am told by the club and I trust the club 100 per cent."
Zola is hopeful of getting players like Lee Bowyer and Kieron Dyer back from injury soon and says once he has those players at his disposal there will be no need to bring in extra players in January.
He said: "Right now we don't need to bring anyone in. When everyone is back there will be many, so maybe some players will go away to play."
The Hammers are currently 13th in the Premier League following a run of one win in nine games.