Zola not blaming Green

Italian says Hammers need to improve

Last updated: 6th October 2008

Fulham v West Ham Gianfranco Zola

Zola: Backing for Green

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Gianfranco Zola refused to blame Robert Green following West Ham's defeat to Bolton at Upton Park.

Green make a horrible blunder to gift Bolton their opener as Gary Megson's side recorded their first away win of the season.

The England keeper made a hash of collecting a long ball dropping it to the feet of Kevin Davies who gleefully hooked the ball into the empty net.

Zola jumped to the defence of Green and says he will not be made the scapegoat for his first league defeat.

Great goalkeeper

"I do not have to say anything to Robert Green. He is a great goalkeeper," said Zola.

"He has all my trust, all of the team's trust. Everyone believes in him.

"Today it has been a bad day, but I am sure next game he is going to save two penalties - football is like that.

"The important thing is that you are always confident in what we are doing, because they are the right things to do for us.

"When you find your team playing well, as we were before the goal, you expect your team to score at any moment and instead when it comes from the opposition, that is quite a surprise."

Zola added: "Everybody knew that it would not be so simple.

"The players need to improve certain things, you need to improve the mentality.

"Sometimes games like this can help you make one step back in order to make two steps forwards. I hope it will be like that."