Zola sets sights on Europe
West Ham United boss Gianfranco Zola believes European qualification is a realistic aim for his side this season.
The resurgent Hammers take on rock-bottom West Bromwich Albion at Upton Park on Monday night where a victory would consolidated seventh place in the table.
"It might be possible that seventh spot is enough for Europe this season and that would be a great thing for this club," said the Italian coach.
"Not just for the club to be in Europe, but for the players to play games internationally makes them better.
"I played many times as a player in European competition and I know how it can make a player better to play those kind of games."
Meanwhile, Zola has hailed the character within his squad following the upturn in results which has occurred since he took the managerial reins earlier in the season.
"I remember a time when we went to play Sunderland away and we were two points from the bottom," he continued.
"We won that day, but even in the difficult moments this team kept believing in what we are doing here, stuck together and kept with our idea of how to play football.
"Now we are playing very well and that is down to the mental strength we showed in those times.
"The plan is still to strengthen the team this summer. But first of all we need to achieve our targets this year, then we can think about going on and pushing the team on."
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