Zola thankful for Hammers patience

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Zola has slowly turned things around following a difficult period before Christmas, with the Irons currently sitting eighth in the Barclays Premier League and preparing for an FA Cup fifth-round tie against Middlesbrough this weekend.

He said: "It took me a long time and maybe I would have been sacked at a different club after two months, so you definitely need time."

The Italian was linked with a move to the Chelsea hotseat following the shock dismissal of Luiz Felipe Scolari, which has now been filled until the end of the season by Guus Hiddink.

However, the former Blues midfielder made it clear he is committed to the Upton Park "project", having only been appointed in mid-September to a first club managerial role.

"A manager cannot do a job that easily in football," Zola added.

"You need to plan and work, you need to be allowed time to change players and shape of team.

"I am here and that's the important thing. That's all I can say about that.

"I am very happy with what I am doing here. We have a project and we are still starting. There is a long way to go and I have got a lot to learn and a lot to give to the club."