Gianfranco Zola has told his team to win their last two games of the season after West Ham's European aspirations took a knock last weekend.
United's 3-0 defeat against Liverpool, combined with Tottenham's draw at Everton and Fulham's 3-1 win over Aston Villa saw the Hammers fall two places to ninth in the hunt for Europe.Zola, talking prior to the Liverpool game said that he felt four points would have been enough to secure seventh spot - and whilst he insists that may still be the case, the Italian now says that two wins from the final two games of the season are imperative.
"Qualifying for Europe is very, very realistic if we can get six points out of the two games," he said. "I'm sure that's very possible. Four points might be enough but, to be sure, we want to get six."
And on the prospect of achieving that aim, Zola added:
""I realise that playing in Europe is a big thing because you have so many more games to play so that might be difficult for the club but we are willing to take the risk and would love to be involved in the competition.
"Let me get to Europe and we'll see what we can do about that. For me, I see the positive side. Playing in Europe is a great thing not only for me but for the players and the supporters, so I'll take the risk.
"There will be difficulties but I rely on my capacities and the team's capacities to find solutions when the problems come. So I want to put a task in front of me and I know if I have European competition it's a big task, but it will make me better and my players better."
The hunt for Europe: remaining fixtures
Fulham (36 games, 50 points, +6 GD): Newcastle (a), Everton (h).
Tottenham (36 games, 48 points, +1 GD): Man City (h), Liverpool (a).
West Ham Utd (36 games, 48 points, -2 GD): Everton (a), Middlesbrough (h).
Manchester City (36 games, 47 points, +10 GD): Tottenham (a), Bolton (h).
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