Gianfranco Zola has had a productive week with his West Ham United squad as they look to finish November on a high.
The manager was in positive mood as the club reiterated again on Friday that - despite press speculation to the contrary - there is no need to sell any players in the January transfer window.
Without his internationals ahead of the weekend but with the likes of Jack Collison and Carlton Cole making good progress, Zola and his staff put a smaller group through their paces with some good sessions at Chadwell Heath. The only frustration is that there is another week to go until the Barclays Premier League resumes.
The Hammers are just three points off the total they had at this stage last season, having played six of last season's top eight in their first half-dozen matches at home. Zola is not thinking about statistics though - only about the task in hand starting with the trip to Hull City on Saturday week before top-flight newcomers Burnley arrive at the end of the month. He is also positive about the international programme, especially as it gives the likes of Danny Gabbidon and Fabio Daprela much-needed match action.
"It is part of the job and for them it is important they play for their countries," he said. "I was very proud when I was doing that. All I will do is ask them to be very careful. We didn't want to be in this league position for the international break. It is not good for us but we are determined not to stay there for long."
Reflecting further on the club's positive performances so far in 2009/10 and the fact they have competed in every single one of their 12 league games, Zola added: "Performance-wise we are doing OK," he said." We are improving and I have no doubt we will convert this into points.
"The commitment is very good. The attitude is very good. We just need to make sure we are not chasing the games all the time. It is down to me and my staff to find solutions. We have all been working hard on that. We are determined to give the fans what they deserve and will not stop until we do.
"It is a fantastic game and sometimes it makes us very upset. Obviously I am feeling for the team and for all people that work around the team. We put in a lot of work and when we lose we are not happy. We are all fighters and working for the solution."