Manchester City outclassed West Ham with 5:0 in the 3rd round of the FA Cup. The West Ham team lead by Croatian coach Slaven Bilić looked like a broken army, with the former Croatian selector faced with the threat of being sacked
"Of course this is a tough defeat for us. We weren't nearly good enough or close to the play we presented a few days ago against Manchester United," said a down-hearted Slaven Bilić after West Ham's highest home field defeat and explained: "I was most disappointed after the first goal when we chased their players around the field and in those 10-15 minutes took two more goals. We played much better with ten players against United. This is a big disappointment for us. At 3:0 it was all over, while we got a few more later on," Tportal reported on January 7, 2017.
The biggest issue now is how to lift the team, back on their feet and prepare them for the rest of the championship and match against Crystal palace.
"A tough defeat always affects confidence. There is enough time and practice until Crystal Palace to get back in the game and prepare well," Bilić said, crucified by fans on social networks.
Every single one of them demanded his resignation, regardless of the club owners stating in advance the FA Cup results will not affect Bilić's fate and future on the bench. Former Newcastle and English national team forward Alan Shearer was quite direct in his post-game comment:
"The way West Ham heads rolled is a sign for alarm, for fans and for the coach. It is shameful to lose in this way!"
Frank Lampard stood in defence of Bilić. He feels the West Ham coach is not to blame for this tough defeat.
"It doesn't look like he's the problem. I feel the problem is on the field, in the players. It looks like they are being lazy, with great issues with a lack of confidence," said Lampard and added: "If they continue like this, Bilić will be under pressure, but I don't think he is yet. Bilić has earned enough respect and credit last season with an unexpected success. I don't think the problem is in him."
As one of the examples of the lack of confidence there is the example of Algerian midfielder Sofiane Feghouli. What he missed in the game against City will compete for the biggest fail of 2017.
