Slaven Bilic expects Dimitri Payet to return to West Ham team
Friday 13 January 2017 11:03, UK
Slaven Bilic expects Dimitri Payet to end his self-imposed exile and return to the West Ham team.
The Hammers boss wants Payet to return to the squad and “show commitment to the team” following Thursday’s confirmation that the France international is refusing to play for the club.
Bilic remains adamant the player will not be sold despite his absence from both first-team training and Saturday’s Premier League fixture against Crystal Palace.
Sky sources understand a £19m offer from Ligue 1 club Marseille has already been turned down. Payet signed a five-year contract at West Ham in February while Chelsea have been linked with the move for the 29-year-old in several national newspapers.
"Until he changes his attitude he is out of the team and he's not going to train with us," said the Croatian.
"But we are not going to sell him, not whatsoever. I expect him to come back and show commitment and determination to the team, like the team has shown to him.
"Is this my toughest challenge? Don't get me wrong, I'd rather be up there fighting with Chelsea.
"But I was thinking on Wednesday by myself that this, including this new situation, is an unbelievably great challenge for me personally.
"I feel so strong - and I don't like it - but I want that challenge and I want to try and solve this puzzle now. I don't know how to tell you that.
"It's not enjoyable of course but when you have such a big challenge in front of you, it motivates you even more and it gets the best out of you and that's how I feel now."
