Bilic unfazed by speculation over his future

Slaven Bilic has again insisted that he is unfazed by speculation about his future as West Ham manager.

It follows continued reports that the club are lining up possible replacements for the former Hammers defender, whose team have endured a difficult first season at the London Stadium.

Bilic remains a popular figure among fans and believes he has also has the support of his players and the club’s board.

Speaking at a press conference on Friday morning, Bilic again responded to questions about his future.

He said: “I have my contract and I am doing my best. Any time I have answered this kind of question and I have answered the same way: I am not concerned about it.

“I feel I have the backing of the board, the players definitely, the fans big time, and I am very happy here and I really don’t feel that I am not welcome here.”

Bilic also declared that he will “never give up” on Andy Carroll. The injury-plagued striker has been ruled out of Sunday’s game against Liverpool.

But he added: “On the other hand it is definitely no good that you have a player, you put his name first in pre-season and plan around him, and then cannot count on him.”