West Ham United boss Gianfranco Zola admits he was disappointed with co-owner David Sullivan's criticism after their defeat to Wolves.

Zola was less than impressed by the latest turn of events in what has been a rollercoaster season at the Boleyn Ground, but insists his full attention is now on beating Stoke on Saturday.

"The owner is entitled to have his opinion and express it, because he is the owner," said the former Chelsea forward, appointed in September last year after Alan Curbishley's departure.

"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?"

Zola continued: "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."