West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola has hit back at comments made by co-owner David Sullivan.
West Ham boss not happy with co-owner's comments
West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola has hit back at comments made by co-owner David Sullivan.
Zola fears that Sullivan's stinging criticism of the side, which came following their defeat to Wolves in midweek, could damage their chances of staying in the Premier League.
Sullivan wrote an open letter to supporters on the club's official website, in which he described their midweek performance as 'shambolic'.
But Zola fears the harsh words could have a negative effect on his players as they battle to beat the drop in the Premier League.
"The owner is entitled to have his opinion and express it, because he is the owner," said Zola, ahead of Saturday's clash with Stoke.
"However, when you use those words, you have to be very careful how you use them because sometimes they can be painful and cause more damage than you can imagine, and that could be the case.
"How will the players be feeling?
"I was very disappointed and he will know that, although I have not spoken to him directly.
"It is not pleasant. But I am not going to retaliate or answer back.
"I will keep my focus on my job, I have a responsibility and will turn it into a positive thing for me and players.
"I will keep my head down and focus on the job."
"Now we just have to focus on playing, and stop talking."
Good enough
Away from the off-field issues, Zola insisted that his team still have what it takes to stay up.
"We are a good team, but going through a difficult moment," he said.
"We need to make sure we show everyone we are a good team and are going to try to show that tomorrow.
"I am not happy with the situation, the position we are in, but everybody is trying very hard.
"We care and are trying to find focus in a difficult position to do a good job for the club.
"I do not think the players are not passionate, against Wolves they were trying to sort the situation out more like an individual.
"That is my mistake - we have worked on that, and hopefully they will fight like a team.
"We have to win as a team, which is the most important thing.
"Everybody wants to give 200 per cent, but that has to be given in the right way."
