Bilic is tempted by six appeal
SLAVEN BILIC has targeted a top-six finish for West Ham next season as he bids to end the current one on a more positive note.
The Hammers manager admits he enjoyed last season more than this one as his side aim to end an eventful campaign with some good news.
After finishing seventh last term, the Hammers are likely to end this one in the bottom half as they travel to Burnley today.
West Ham have endured a topsy-turvy season which has seen crowd trouble at the London Stadium and the departure of star man Dimitri Payet in January.
But Bilic, who is set to meet co-owner David Sullivan tomorrow, says the club have their sights set on breaking into the top six.
Bilic (above) said: “The minimum is to finish in the top 10, but with the hope or plan to break into the top eight, top seven or top six.
“It’s going to be very hard. You saw last year that it is possible but you have to tick all of the boxes, have a good transfer window, stay free of injuries and settle down in the stadium.
“We feel it’s our home. We have had some really good performances and some really bad ones there. This should all help us being better next season, knowing that all the other teams will do the same.”
The Croatian’s future has come under scrutiny in recent months but Bilic feels that his squad will only benefit from their struggles. He said: “Make no mistake, I enjoyed last season more than this one.
“You know it’s not enjoyable during a tough period but after that you become stronger, not only as a manager or not only as an individual player, but you are building the character of the team.
“We are very motivated for this game, we want to finish on a positive but yes, I am glad the season is coming to an end, we all need a rest. We have many, many injuries.
“We need to prepare for next season but we can talk about that on Monday.”
Defender Winston Reid has had an operation on a chronic knee injury which is set to keep him out for 10 weeks. Skipper Mark Noble is also out after surgery on an abdominal complaint.