"We can definitely be better next year and if we don't we are crazy because we have the quality," he insists.
"For many reasons this year we have not played very well - but especially at home, where we have a bad record. Two years ago we were solid as a rock at home - but we have a good manager who can realise why we haven't done well and I think he is going to buy one or two players.
"I hope they will join us with a professional mentality and
a professional attitude and help us to jump up and play in a
position we deserve for these
fantastic supporters; that is, a UEFA Cup place.
"The fans deserve more; as players we have to dedicate
ourselves during the week, day by day, hour by hour, not only on
Saturday because you can't
switch it on if you don't work hard during the week.
"It is not possible to just switch on the lights and think today we are going to compete with Manchester United. If you want to reduce the gap on them you have to work more than them; if you work less you are going to be destroyed by them.
"To finish in the top seven you have to work like Ipswich; Magilton has become one of the best orchestrators in the league this year because he trained hard every week.
"They have power and strength, they believe in it, and if you train hard you believe more in what you want to do because you arrive first to the ball. They didn't spend much money and this is the surprise - they bought Armstrong who didn't play for Middlesbrough and is one of the best strikers at the moment. Against us they worked hard around the pitch for 95 minutes."
Paolo is convinced life will be rosier next season and adds: "Next year the manager will help us solve this problem. I am going to become more of a leader next year and be more tough also during the week, not only on the Saturday.
"I love Roy Keane because he said some very tough things about good players, saying they are not hungry any more. No-one answered him and also the manager was with him, he didn't say Roy has to shut his mouth; no, because he is the leader and he has to speak.
"It doesn't matter if I'm unpopular if it helps us win games and we finish top six - for me that is not a problem."
Indeed, it is that will to win which completely drives him, and
he adds: "Being loved doesn't matter, it's about
thinking about the results, and the
cause of the team. What is important is working hard together
because we are wearing the same shirt.
"You must say if you are wearing the West Ham shirt 'I defend you, I'll give my life for you' - you are part of my team. Harry is a strong manager and knows."