West Ham manager Slaven Bilic has spoken to the media ahead of Wes Ham’s London derby with Tottenham. Spurs travel to the Boleyn Ground for the last time ever on Tuesday 2nd of March and it’s sure to be set up for a classic. With Tottenham setting their sights on the title it seems like it’s West Ham’s duty to prevent them winning. Both teams are in desperate need of the points and this could turn into more than just a game.
Firstly, Slaven was asked about team news and it seems as though for the first time this season we may have a fully fit squad. However, there is a slight problem in the right back position meaning Michail Antonio may have to do another job at the back.
Diafra Sakho has been training with us for a few days now; we will see today how he is, if he is ready. He might be in the squad tomorrow. We are without Sam Byram through suspension; it is hard to imagine a player of his stature getting ten bookings, he is also cup-tied so we will be without him for a few games so we need to find a solution to that.
Slaven Bilic also commented on how well Michail Antonio has adapted to the Premier League and how happy he is for him.
He has had to wait, he didn’t moan or sing, then he got his chance which he took. His pace and energy was always there, now tactically he is also getting there and he is a very important player for us.
I am a big fan of the Simpsons and saw his celebrations. To see him connected with Homer Simpson – no connection between the two. Homer is lazy. Michail is a workaholic. But I enjoyed his celebration.
Lastly, Bilic was asked if he thinks that Tottenham are genuine title contenders.
Well yes of course they can. They are there and it is only 11 games to go so why not? They are playing good football, they look hungry, so yes. The only problem might be all the fixtures but Pochettino is experienced enough to know how to handle that.
