Slaven Bilic says he did not need a statement of support from the West Ham board because he already knew they were behind him.

"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."