Gianfranco Zola says he is “determined to carry on” as manager of West Ham.
The Italian’s position has come under scrutiny over the last few days after a dismal run of form.
The Hammers slumped to their sixth successive defeat on Saturday after going down 1-0 at home to Stoke and after the game Zola admitted he would consider his future at Upton Park over the weekend.
Zola has now vowed to lead the side to safety with the club currently above the relegation zone only on goal difference
“I am determined to carry on,” Zola told the club’s official website.
“Losing on Saturday was emotional for everyone but I know we can turn it around and we have the ability to achieve our objectives.
“The owners have backed me and I am grateful for that. My only thought for now is to keep this club in the Premier League and that remains my goal.
“I will give everything I can to make this happen between now and the end of the season.
“I’d have had time to think and reflect, and will have to work harder than we have before.
“I know we can get the results we need and it is just a question of making it happen.
“The performance was better on Saturday but it is still not the level we should be at. We can, and we will, do better as a team.”
West Ham face Everton next Sunday with Zola is targeting a win at Goodison Park to boost his side’s survival hopes.
“We will go to Everton determined to get a result,” added Zola. “People might not expect us to get something from the match but we will be positive. No one should write us off.
“Although we are in a serious position we have time to sort things out and be in control of our destiny at the end of the season.”
Zola admits that their final six games of the season will be like ‘cup finals’ as they aim to avoid the drop.
“We said before Stoke that one game would not define the season but we also know that each of the games we have left will be cup finals,” added Zola.
“They will be massive and I know the fans will once again get behind us starting with Everton and we will give everything to reward their support.
“They have been brilliant and we owe them.”
