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Bilic delivers defiant message after West Ham sacking, confirms what he will do next
By Guy Giles
Former West Ham boss Slaven Bilic has spoken out for the first time since his sacking as Hammers boss, slamming the unforgiving nature of modern football while insisting that he is proud of what he achieved at the London Stadium.
He also confirmed that, despite offers, he will take a break from football before returning to the game in 2018.
Croatian Bilic was dismissed from his role on Monday after a disastrous start to the Premier League season saw the Hammers drop into the bottom three.
The club have appointed former Manchester United boss David Moyes as Bilic’s replacement.
In an interview with the Evening Standard, Bilic has admitted his sadness over losing his job with a club he has so much history with.
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He said: “It is the first time I have left a club in this way. It happened once before, with Lokomotiv Moscow, but it was more my decision. I am very sad, of course.
“I would have loved to have stayed to finish my contract – perhaps win a cup and stabilise the situation – but it didn’t happen and there are no hard feelings. It has not changed my love for West Ham and the people there.”
Bilic also stated that he has already received offers from overseas, but says he will instead take a break from the game to spend time with his family with a view to return to football in 2018.
The former Hammers defender also highlighted the ruthlessness of modern football management, and insisted that he can take pride in his achievements at the London Stadium.
He said: “When I look back at my time there, I should be proud. Now, to stay more than two seasons anywhere, unless you are a Pep Guardiola or a Jose Mourinho – which I’m not – is very hard.”
In other West Ham news, Matt Le Tissier has singled out this flop as key to David Moyes chances as West Ham’s new manager.
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