Slaven Bilic says this season has provided 'priceless' experience for himself and West Ham
Friday 3 March 2017 23:22, UK
Slaven Bilic admits West Ham's turbulent season has been one of the toughest of his career, but says he would not swap it for a less exciting one.
The Hammers have had to deal with moving to the London Stadium, fan unrest, crowd trouble, an early exit from the Europa League, and the saga of Dimitri Payet's move to Marseille.
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They also suffered some heavy early-season defeats which left them in the relegation zone and prompted questions about Bilic's future.
But the Hammers have emerged from that tricky period and have climbed into the top half ahead of Monday's visit from leaders Chelsea, live on Sky Sports 1.
And Bilic, who has also managed in Russia and Turkey as well as his national team, Croatia, says he and his players are stronger for the experience.
Bilic said: "I consider this season as a great one for me individually, and for the team, and for the club, because this season we experienced a lot of negatives, a lot of positive things, but mainly a lot of new things.
"I was manager of my country and I was manager of Besiktas in Turkey, where the pressure is basically bigger than here.
"So, I got used to the job a little bit. But was it hard? Yes. It's still hard. But you know that saying: 'What doesn't kill you, makes you stronger'?
"It's great because now it's a great experience. For me personally, for every player, for the team and for the club.
"We don't want to start next season like we started this one. Was I enjoying September? No, of course I wasn't enjoying September. Or October.
"But I wouldn't change it. I would change September and October. But, after that, when you've made it and you get out of that, the experience is priceless.
"I wouldn't swap when I was under pressure or the team was under pressure. I wouldn't swap it for a steady season."
