Fredi Kanoute has hit back at those critics that say he and Paolo
Di Canio cannot form an effective front pairing because they are
too individual.
The duo are back together on Sunday, and Fredi, who has only played 53 minutes of football this season, says:
"I think we can get on well, we are getting used to playing with each other, and we have been working hard on our understanding - who is going where, and when to cover for each other.
"I think it is getting better, and I don't think I am an individual; neither is Paolo.
"Our style is maybe different from others, as we both like to have the ball and do some dribbling, and I think that is why people say that.
"But I do think we can complement each other - we can play together and do good things."
Fredi has been sorely missed after hamstring problems affected him before and during the season, and he says:
"I have missed playing a lot, and I am happy to be back; we need the win, and I hope I can contribute to that.
"I obviously need to get my confidence back with the hamstring, but I think I am going to be all right.
"It has been hard sitting on the bench or watching the games on TV; maybe I wasn't strong enough when I came back and I was impatient, but I have learnt my lesson.
"I want to score goals but it is not because I haven't been playing that we haven't scored, because sometimes when I am there we don't score."
He says he will be spending less time on the flanks, and adds:
"Maybe some player on the wings can do some good crosses for me; as a striker you have to focus on goals, and you can't be everywhere."
His friend and compatriot Laurent Courtois, who he recommended to West Ham, is likely to fill in for Joe Cole on the left wing against Newcastle, and Fredi adds:
"Laurent is a good player and I think everyone will be pleased with him on Sunday; he will only need a little time to settle.
"We have to be confident even though Newcastle have won games and just beaten Manchester United."
The duo are back together on Sunday, and Fredi, who has only played 53 minutes of football this season, says:
"I think we can get on well, we are getting used to playing with each other, and we have been working hard on our understanding - who is going where, and when to cover for each other.
"I think it is getting better, and I don't think I am an individual; neither is Paolo.
"Our style is maybe different from others, as we both like to have the ball and do some dribbling, and I think that is why people say that.
"But I do think we can complement each other - we can play together and do good things."
Fredi has been sorely missed after hamstring problems affected him before and during the season, and he says:
"I have missed playing a lot, and I am happy to be back; we need the win, and I hope I can contribute to that.
"I obviously need to get my confidence back with the hamstring, but I think I am going to be all right.
"It has been hard sitting on the bench or watching the games on TV; maybe I wasn't strong enough when I came back and I was impatient, but I have learnt my lesson.
"I want to score goals but it is not because I haven't been playing that we haven't scored, because sometimes when I am there we don't score."
He says he will be spending less time on the flanks, and adds:
"Maybe some player on the wings can do some good crosses for me; as a striker you have to focus on goals, and you can't be everywhere."
His friend and compatriot Laurent Courtois, who he recommended to West Ham, is likely to fill in for Joe Cole on the left wing against Newcastle, and Fredi adds:
"Laurent is a good player and I think everyone will be pleased with him on Sunday; he will only need a little time to settle.
"We have to be confident even though Newcastle have won games and just beaten Manchester United."