Stimac backs friend Bilic to turn corner with Hammers

Former West Ham United defender Igor Stimac has backed his friend and fellow former Croatia international Slaven Bilic to turn results round at the London Stadium.

West Ham boss Bilic has overseen a dismal run of form, which has seen the Hammers fall to 17th in the Premier League, one point and place above the drop zone.

Bilic took over as manager in 2015, and guided the Hammers to seventh, finishing with a club record 62 points in the Premier League, but has found it much tougher going this time around.

Stimac, 49, played 43 league games in two years at the Hammers after his move from Derby County in 1999.

(Photo by Jordan Mansfield/Getty Images)

He and Bilic were part of the Croatia team that impressed at Euro 96 and the 1998 World Cup.

“When Slaven got the job, I said that he will be an instant success at West Ham United,” said Stimac, who also replaced Bilic as the manager of the Croatia national team in 2012.

“He knows what this job is about and how to turn things round. One thing I am pretty sure of is that Slaven will not lose his passion, commitment and confidence.

“The one thing which I am confused about is how some people in England question his ability after every game, forgetting how great a job he did last season.

“We all know that Slaven is the right guy for West Ham and I point my finger at the players here to wake up and bring back to their game the same passion they showed last season.”