West Ham boss Slaven Bilic plays down remarks from 'frustrated' David Sullivan
Thursday 16 March 2017 11:27, UK
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic has played down the significance of David Sullivan's comments following the recent loss at Bournemouth.
Hammers co-chairman David Sullivan declared he was "very disappointed and frustrated" after they were beaten 3-2 by the Cherries and that their defensive lapses "cannot go on".
That prompted speculation over the long-term future of Bilic, who had been tipped to sign a new contract at the London Stadium.
However, the Croatian, whose side face Leicester this weekend, insists he does not feel under added pressure after Sullivan's remarks.
"It was a comment for that game and for that game I also said we can't be happy with the way we performed, the way we conceded all three goals, especially the last one," said Bilic.
"We have to improve and bounce back. The players know that and they were unhappy in the dressing room - they were gutted.
"We have a game against Leicester that we have to bounce back in and we are ready for that."
Bilic also dismissed Dimitri Payet's recent claim that he was "bored" before leaving West Ham to rejoin Marseille during the January transfer window.
Payet, who made an acrimonious departure from the club, has criticised the team's style of play under Bilic, suggesting they were overly defensive.
"I don't want to go into arguing with players, but all you have to see if you look at tactics and way we play - just have a look at the statistics," said Bilic.
"Even against Bournemouth it was not a lack of attacking that put us under pressure. Maybe we are playing too offensively."
