Nikola Jurcevic’s future at West Ham is very much linked to that of manager Slaven Bilic. The two come as a pair and if Bilic is pushed out of West Ham this summer then it’s almost certain Jurcevic will be going with him.
West Ham’s vote of confidence hasn’t provided an awful lot of comfort, given how many clubs have gone back on them previously, but Jurcevic sounds hopeful about the future.
West Ham lost 2-1 to Hull City on Saturday, and speaking to Croatian newspaper Vecernji List after training on Sunday, Jurcevic insisted the attitude of the players is right and they back Bilic: “When you lose four games in a row, the situation cannot be pleasant. However, as the attitude of the club’s leadership for us has always been a very good one, they came out and made the statement. Their support means a lot to us, as well as the realisation that the atmosphere in the team is not undermined. Slaven and I feel that the players are firmly with us.”
It’s been a difficult season for West Ham, the move to the London Stadium hasn’t been completely successful and Dimitri Payet forcing a move to Marseille caused more uncertainty.Asked if losing Payet was a big reason behind West Ham’s current woes, Jurcevic disagreed: “No, because without Payet we beat Crystal Palace, Middlesbrough and Southampton. I would say we have responded really well without him and this crisis has nothing to do with Payet.”
West Ham face Arsenal at the Emirates on Wednesday, and are currently six points clear of the relegation zone in 14th place. Such is the closeness of mid table, West Ham are also only three points behind Stoke City in 9th.
