Gianfranco Zola is fully focused on better fortunes for West Ham United manager as 2008 draws to a close with two Christmas games in quick succession.
Having seen his team go four games unbeaten on the road and more than match the nation's top sides this month, Zola is rightly upbeat about the prospects for the new year to come after his early days at the Boleyn Ground helm. "As far I am concerned, it's been a great experience," he said at his weekly pre-match press conference. "It's a strong challenge and it's pushing me a lot.
"I'm focused on the next match. We know we've been unlucky. We didn't deserve [to lose to Aston Villa last weekend] but that's football. So being focused and ready for the next match is vital for us. On Wednesday we'll start focusing on what to do to beat Portsmouth. We need to improve certain things and we are going to be working on that."
Despite the recent frustrations of missed opportunities and dropped points, he will not be deterred from his task. "I want to improve as a manager and person. It's a big challenge. I've had so many problems to look after but I like competing. No matter how it goes, I've accepted this job and I feel it is making me better."
The manager spoke at length again about the long-term plan he signed up for with CEO Scott Duxbury and technical director Gianluca Nani back in September and his determination to see it succeed in the months and years to come. "The project is to improve the team, it is as simple as that. Nothing has changed … the club remains positive and wants to keep on with this."
In this regard, the manager knows that he may well look to improve the squad in future but for now is preparing only with Friday and Sunday's "important games" away to Portsmouth and at home with Stoke City respectively in mind.
"They are certainly two vital games for us because this the moment to change things around. and they have come at the right time. They are in a short period of time so it is down to our physical condition but we can do it.
"I have to try to make the best to help this team to progress. We might be trying to look for other players to improve what we have got [but] I still trust these players and think they can change it."
When asked to restate the intentions in the transfer window next month, Zola said: "The club have been very good to me and always been straightforward and I don't think they want to make this team weaker. Everyone wants to progress in this project … I want to try and improve the team if I can."
The next few days will be a busy period at Chadwell Heath but the manager said he will still find time for festive cheer. "I certainly will enjoy Christmas even though it's a difficult time. Football is like this. Sometimes you get bad moments but you have to remain focused and do the best you can and I'm sure here everyone is doing the best that they can. I remain positive that everything will be good."