Tuesday 4 April 2017 11:54, UK
Slaven Bilic says he did not need a statement of support from the West Ham board because he already knew they were behind him.
In an attempt "to end speculation once and for all", the Hammers spoke out this week insisting Bilic's job was not in danger after a run of four straight Premier League defeats.
Widespread newspaper reports spoke of potential successors to the Croatian, but vice-chairwoman Karren Brady also insisted this week that the club are not looking to change their manager.
"I do not have to read the papers to know my relationship with the board," Bilic said as his team prepares to face Arsenal on Wednesday.
"I talk with the chairmen before or after every game. It's nice to read it (their support) but I know I have the confidence of the board.
"I am concentrated on my job and the players. When I told you I wasn't worried before it is the situation that I am not relieved to say 'oh my god, they gave me confidence'. I knew that before.
"I like it that way; that I am not thinking about that a lot."
The Hammers go to the Emirates buoyed by the returns of Diafra Sakho and Michail Antonio - but Aaron Cresswell is out with a knock - and Bilic is hoping to throw Antonio in from the start.
"We will see today but he will definitely be involved in the game, whether from start or on bench," Bilic said. "It is a big boost for us because we are talking about one of our best players.
"Diafra is back and, when you talk to him, he is ready and can't wait, but only because he was out for a long time. He did the operation on his back. He is lacking match practise, but he has to start somewhere. He maybe on the bench tomorrow but I haven't decided yet. He is very close."
