West Ham boss Bilic admits relegation worry

Slaven Bilic admits that it is only realistic for his West Ham United side to peer nervously over their shoulders in the midst of their dismal run of recent form.

The Hammers are winless in seven matches and Wednesday’s 3-0 defeat at Arsenal saw them slip to a fifth defeat in a row, with just five points now separating West Ham and the Premier League drop zone.

However, Bilic, whose team face a crucial clash with Swansea City at the London Stadium next weekend, has issued a rallying cry to his players, imploring them to fight tooth and nail to ensure that they remain in the top flight for next season.

“We are looking over our shoulders of course, and there is no point in hiding it. It’s not being negative – it’s being realistic,” said Bilic.

“It is the key point for me to get that confidence back before Saturday.

“We need one win and it will change everything for us. Three points at this stage of the season are massive.

“I told the guys: ‘OK, forget (Wednesday). We have a few massive games in front of us’.

“We have a huge game in the Premier League – a very important game – against Swansea on Saturday and we will fight to keep Premier League status.”