Gianfranco Zola is determined to make a success of his first managerial job with West Ham. "I want this fight, I am ambitious and I want to become better. That is why I took this job," he said.

"I was in Sardinia spending my time in 20 degrees of sunshine and playing golf, I could have stayed there.

"I had no interest in the money, I did not need it.

"I came here because every day I want to become a better person and a better manager.

"I love the task that I have, I know that it is difficult, I have had many problems, but I am still here smiling, which is the most important thing, although maybe I am losing some hair, but I can cope with that."