Zola plays down Ilunga slur

Italian battles to protect his player and the club's transfer vows

By Rob Carragher   Last updated: 5th December 2008

Zola plays down Ilunga slur

Zola: has faith in Ilunga

He is totally committed to what he is doing here and his answers were taken in the wrong way.

Gianfranco Zola
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West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola has sprung to the defence of his on-loan left back Herita Ilunga after the Toulouse star described the club as 'second-rate'.

Ilunga has upset many of the Hammers faithful with his comments, suggesting that his time at Upton Park is just a stepping stone for him to earn a move to one of the country's biggest clubs.

However, Zola is insistent that the Congolese's comments have been misinterpreted and that his commitment to the West Ham cause should not be brought into question.

"I know Ilunga very well," said the Italian manager.

"He is totally committed to what he is doing here and his answers were taken in the wrong way.

"He is happy to be here and is looking to sign a contract with the club. As far as I'm concerned he is a player I will try to sign."

Progress

But while the West Ham manager is keen to talk about bringing in players, speculation that the club will have to sell their best players is continuing to mount.

"We will consider selling some of them but we are not going to sell the best players," reiterated Zola.

"They (Ashton and Upson) are among the best players we have.

"This club wants to progress so we are not going to sell our best players. This is what I am told by the club and I trust the club 100 per cent.

"Right now we don't need to bring anyone in. When everyone is back there will be many, so maybe some players will go away to play."

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