Julian Dicks says Slaven Bilic's measured approach to management is spreading confidence through his squad
Julian Dicks has revealed the secret behind Slaven Bilic’s outstanding first season as West Ham United manager, and you might be surprised what it is.
Calmness.
Bilic is loved by the Claret and Blue Army in part due to the demonstrative passion he shows in the technical area during each and every game.
But coaching assistant Dicks – who roomed with the gaffer during the pair’s time as West Ham players – says it is Bilic’s composed demeanour in the dressing room that is spreading confidence through his players.
“What’s impressed me most about Slaven is how calm he is,” Dicks revealed. “We have had bad games and started off slowly in games, and three or four times we’ve gone two-nil down, but at half-time the gaffer is so calm.
“Sometimes players need a kick up the backside, we know that, but at half-time he is so calm and in the second half they have gone out and been a different team. The managers I’ve played under would give you a bit of a hammering, but Slaven is the total opposite.
“There’s a good atmosphere around the club at the moment. They are a good bunch of lads and work hard in training. We all make mistakes and have bad games, which is part of football, but they work hard and there’s a very good atmosphere, as there always is when you’re playing well and winning games.
The Terminator is looking forward to seeing more than 7,200 Hammers at Ewood Park on Sunday, where West Ham will attempt to beat Championship side Blackburn and reach the Emirates FA Cup quarter finals.
“We’re taking over 7,000 fans to Blackburn on Sunday and they are fantastic and just want to see their players give 100 per cent,” Dicks continued.
“If you win or lose, there is a way to lose. As long as the players give everything they have, that’s all you can ask for.
“We know we have to be on top of our game to beat Blackburn, who are a good side and a big club. It’s the FA Cup and I’ve played in many games where we’ve been beaten by so-called lesser teams, so I know that if you’re not on your job it becomes difficult.”
Calmness.
Bilic is loved by the Claret and Blue Army in part due to the demonstrative passion he shows in the technical area during each and every game.
But coaching assistant Dicks – who roomed with the gaffer during the pair’s time as West Ham players – says it is Bilic’s composed demeanour in the dressing room that is spreading confidence through his players.
“What’s impressed me most about Slaven is how calm he is,” Dicks revealed. “We have had bad games and started off slowly in games, and three or four times we’ve gone two-nil down, but at half-time the gaffer is so calm.
“Sometimes players need a kick up the backside, we know that, but at half-time he is so calm and in the second half they have gone out and been a different team. The managers I’ve played under would give you a bit of a hammering, but Slaven is the total opposite.
“There’s a good atmosphere around the club at the moment. They are a good bunch of lads and work hard in training. We all make mistakes and have bad games, which is part of football, but they work hard and there’s a very good atmosphere, as there always is when you’re playing well and winning games.
The Terminator is looking forward to seeing more than 7,200 Hammers at Ewood Park on Sunday, where West Ham will attempt to beat Championship side Blackburn and reach the Emirates FA Cup quarter finals.
“We’re taking over 7,000 fans to Blackburn on Sunday and they are fantastic and just want to see their players give 100 per cent,” Dicks continued.
“If you win or lose, there is a way to lose. As long as the players give everything they have, that’s all you can ask for.
“We know we have to be on top of our game to beat Blackburn, who are a good side and a big club. It’s the FA Cup and I’ve played in many games where we’ve been beaten by so-called lesser teams, so I know that if you’re not on your job it becomes difficult.”