Zola outlines attacking intent for Hammers future
Thursday, 11 Sep 2008 22:40
Zola wants West Ham to adopt an attacking style of play
New West Ham United manager Gianfranco Zola says he wants his team to play attacking football under his regime.
Zola, who was officially unveiled as Alan Curbishley's successor today, says an attacking philosophy was instilled in him his whole career and that he wants to pass that on to the Hammers players.
The Italian's style of play is certain to go down well with the club's fans. West Ham have scored ten goals in three home games so far this season and that ratio should continue if Zola has his way.
He said: "It is my philosophy to play offensive football if I can as I have always done that. What we do here is to make it enjoyable first for the players and then for the club.
"We will try to play this style of football. I know it is a challenge. It is something that sparks me up. I cannot wait to start working for this team."
Zola has spent the last two years coaching the Italian Under-21 side with another former Chelsea player Pierluigi Casiraghi.
Although he lacks experience Zola believes he will be able to successfully mould the West Ham players into a winning team.
He said: "It's a great honour for me to be involved in such an important job. And I can promise, as I said to the board before, that I will do my best.
"I'm here to help the team to develop as individuals first and then also as a team. That is my duty and I will give all of my knowledge and all my experience to the players."
Zola's lack of experience could be offset if, as has been rumoured, he is able to appoint Chelsea assistant coach Steve Clarke as his deputy next week.