Nikica Jelavic has already prospered under the Gaffer’s leadership and cannot wait to do so again with West Ham United
As soon as Nikica Jelavic knew Slaven Bilic was keen on securing his services this Summer, the Croatian forward was only ever going to make West Ham United his next move.
The 30-year-old striker completed his transfer from Hull City to the Boleyn Ground on deadline day, linking up once more with a boss who was in charge of his first club Hajduk Split, then gave him his international debut in 2009.
After suffering the pain of relegation with Hull last term, Jelavic is determined to bounce back under the leadership of Bilic.
He said: “I’m very excited to be linking up with Slaven again. He is a great manager and a great man. I’m delighted to be working with him and his staff again.
“We worked together for the national team for four years and I am really happy to be with him here.
“He played for West Ham and for Everton – he knows the league and I know he can do the job here.”
As for Jelavic’s own experience, he possesses plenty of top-flight knowhow, having turned out for Everton and Hull in recent years.
He continued: “Hopefully I can impress the staff, the supporters and everyone at the Club. I am here to help and will do anything to do that.
“It’s good timing to join now, with the international break allowing me to settle in before that first game against Newcastle.
“I don’t think it’s going to be a problem to adapt, because I know most of the players and have played against them in the past.”
Jelavic is especially looking forward to linking up with a squad that is sure to be on a high after dispatching Liverpool 3-0 last weekend.
He added: “I watched the game against Liverpool. It was an amazing performance and they played well as a team. West Ham have showed that this season they can make a big step forward.
“We have a good unit of strikers here and it is always good to have a couple of good names in your position because then you push yourself more and give your maximum in every training session.
“I’m looking forward to working with all these lads because they are all very, very good players.”
The 30-year-old striker completed his transfer from Hull City to the Boleyn Ground on deadline day, linking up once more with a boss who was in charge of his first club Hajduk Split, then gave him his international debut in 2009.
After suffering the pain of relegation with Hull last term, Jelavic is determined to bounce back under the leadership of Bilic.
He said: “I’m very excited to be linking up with Slaven again. He is a great manager and a great man. I’m delighted to be working with him and his staff again.
“We worked together for the national team for four years and I am really happy to be with him here.
“He played for West Ham and for Everton – he knows the league and I know he can do the job here.”
As for Jelavic’s own experience, he possesses plenty of top-flight knowhow, having turned out for Everton and Hull in recent years.
He continued: “Hopefully I can impress the staff, the supporters and everyone at the Club. I am here to help and will do anything to do that.
“It’s good timing to join now, with the international break allowing me to settle in before that first game against Newcastle.
“I don’t think it’s going to be a problem to adapt, because I know most of the players and have played against them in the past.”
Jelavic is especially looking forward to linking up with a squad that is sure to be on a high after dispatching Liverpool 3-0 last weekend.
He added: “I watched the game against Liverpool. It was an amazing performance and they played well as a team. West Ham have showed that this season they can make a big step forward.
“We have a good unit of strikers here and it is always good to have a couple of good names in your position because then you push yourself more and give your maximum in every training session.
“I’m looking forward to working with all these lads because they are all very, very good players.”