Bellamy learns from Zola

Striker insists he has no better teacher than his manager

By Richard Bailey   Last updated: 26th October 2008

George Boateng Craig Bellamy Hull City West Ham United Premier League

Bellamy: Looking to impress under Zola

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Craig Bellamy believes he has improved as a player in the short time manager Gianfranco Zola has been at the helm.

The Italian tactician was named West Ham's new manager last month and has already impressed during his short tenure at Upton Park.

Welsh firebrand Bellamy believes Zola has brought plenty of new ideas to training despite his limited experience in football management.

He said: "He has introduced loads of new ideas. Training is different and the formation is completely different.

"It is difficult when a coach comes in midway through a season but we have all been very impressed with him.

"He has done a lot for my game. He has worked with me very closely, which is very good. Every day he gives you something for you to work on and he knows because he has worked with the best, like Maradona at Napoli.

"His enthusiasm is amazing - he could still play even now. Now we are playing a formation that is completely different, 4-3-3. I am wider and deeper and working hard on it training."

The Welshman has endured a torrid time with injury since his transfer from Liverpool in July 2007 but is set to start for the Hammers against Arsenal at Upton Park this afternoon.

If the 29-year-old does claim a place in the first eleven it will be the striker's first start at Upton Park for over a year.

He said: "It's a good game to start at home. I feel really good but I'm not naïve enough to think I'm going to be straight back into it. I need more games."

The compliments between player and manager are not all one way as Zola is all to keen to point out the importance of Bellamy's return to the side.

He said: "It is important to have Craig back. He is one of those players who can take us to a higher level."