Slaven Bilic calls for unity at West Ham ahead of 'massive' Premier League matches
Thursday 6 April 2017 16:08, UK
Slaven Bilic insists West Ham are not in a "do-or-die situation" just yet, but admits the forthcoming matches against Swansea and Sunderland are "massively important".
The Hammers suffered their fifth successive Premier League defeat on Wednesday when they were comfortably beaten 3-0 by Arsenal at the Emirates.
Bilic's side sit just five points above the relegation zone in 15th and face 18th-placed Swansea at London Stadium on Saturday before travelling to bottom club Sunderland on April 15.
"It is the manager's responsibility. I am not talking about blame - there is no point talking about that," the West Ham manager said.
"It is my job to take those defeats on my chest and to prepare the team for our game against Swansea.
"[Swansea and Sunderland] are massively important games but I have had those kinds of games before and some of the players have had those kinds of games.
"They are not do-or-die situations but we don't want to come into a do-or-die situation. We wanted to do it before this game against Swansea.
"If you remember we won six out of nine - that was right before these five defeats. Even then I was always saying 'we are in a good situation but there are still a lot of points to be played for'.
"So now it is massively important."
Andy Carroll and Michail Antonio were both withdrawn during that loss to the Gunners due to a groin complaint and sickness respectively.
But Bilic is hopeful the duo will be fit for the visit of the Swans as West Ham go in search of their first victory since February 4.
"Andy Carroll felt a groin at half-time, but it wasn't major. This morning it wasn't worse so he has a good chance on Saturday," he said.
"Michail Antonio felt sick when we had lunch yesterday. He's at home now but is feeling much better."
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