Zola enjoying life in charge

Six points from two matches gives Zola perfect start in England

By Ashley Marshall   Last updated: 27th September 2008

Zola enjoying life in charge

Zola: Hectic introduction to llife in charge

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Gianfranco Zola says he is enjoying life as a Premier League manager after an eventful week in charge of West Ham.

The Hammers boss says he has been impressed by the work ethic of his players, and he believes there is more to come from a side which is riding high after a strong start to the new Premier League campaign.

West Ham have six points from their first two league matches under Zola, but the manager has also watched his side crash out of the Carling Cup and been forced to fine one of his strikers for late-night antics.

Zola said: "It has been a very good start and I could not ask for anything more, but I also like the attitude of the players.

"You have to be consistent against a team like Fulham because they are a good side and my concern was because I know they are a team that likes to press the opposition, that maybe my team wouldn't try to play football."

Zola singled out Carlton Cole, who was fined for breaking curfew earlier this week, and midfielder Matthew Etherington, who has continued to shine in front of the new manager at Upton Park.

"Cole was absolutely perfect - he realised he has made a mistake and he took the fine in the right way and he played a fantastic match today and I couldn't ask any more from him," Zola said.

Praise

Speaking about Etherington, who scored one and made the other in West Ham's 2-1 win at Fulham, Zola added: "He has been a key player so far for us and I am very pleased with him and I hope he can carry on playing like this for a very long time because he has a lot of qualities.

"Maybe he doesn't realise how many qualities he has got, but he is playing great and I am pleased for him and pleased for the team."

But Zola says his introduction to life as a manager in England has been hectic after a busy fortnight which has also seen the club face the threat of a £30m compensation claim, win two league games and suffer a midweek Carling Cup loss.

He said: "It is very tiring, but I am enjoying it very much because obviously when you have a bunch of players like I have they try to do everything you say and you don't need to repeat it too much.

"They are really willing to work and that is the best thing that can happen to a manager."