West Ham United boss Gianfranco Zola insists he has a good relationship with new co-owner David Sullivan.

There were reports yesterday of tensions between Sullivan and Zola after the club apparently withdrew a contract offer to midfielder Valon Behrami.

However, Zola insisted: "The club are backing me and I want to do a good job here for everyone. I worked very well with Gianluca. It's sad that he's gone but that is the way football works."

It is understood Sullivan has a much more hands-on approach than the previous Hammers regime and he fell out with Zola just 24 hours before a vital match against Birmingham after saying the players should take a 25 per cent pay cut.

"Everything is fine," said Zola ahead of tomorrow's match with Bolton.

"As the chairman he is entitled to be demanding towards me. I have no problem with that."