SLAVEN BILIC

in his own words . . .

How can you improve home form from last season?

HOME form is the key. You need to get points at home. That’s a must. The fans come, and you want to feel at home. This isolated game is doubly important because we have zero points from three away games. So we need the points.

Time to capitalise with three of next four at home?

WHEn we were talking in the beginning about the three away games, we said, “It will get even by the end of September”. After seven games, you will come into a normal routine. Home, away, home, away.

Does the London Stadium feel like home?

LAST season we didn’t start well. Was that because of the stadium? A bit, yes. Every club have difficulties in moving stadiums, especially when moving to big, big arenas. But it wasn’t only the stadium. We had 10 injuries. I spoke with the players and the feedback is we want to play at home. We accept the new stadium as a home for us now.

Will Diafra Sakho return after trying to leave?

DIAfrA wanted to go. That issue is not black and white. Did he have permission on paper or just a form or an SMS? I don’t know. The fact is he wanted to go [to rennes]. He did a medical, but the club decided not to sell him and he’s back. I told him, “Diafra, you are fit, I know what you can do”. He looks good in training. He will know that until January he is a West Ham player. That’s the way he’s going to get a new contract or play again for Senegal or get a move – if he plays good.

So he’s in the squad tonight?

PrOBABLY. He’s been training. He flew to rennes last week, but he’s been training since.

Have your players been distracted over the break?

ALL of our experienced players were here, like (Andy) Carroll, (Mark) noble, (Winston) reid. The players who were here, and I contacted the others — we have to go back to basics. Together, character, chin up, close them down. It is about that and through that the quality will come.