West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic shares his thoughts ahead of tonight's Premier League derby with Tottenham Hotspur at London Stadium...
Hello everyone,
We are all looking forward to tonight’s game with Tottenham Hotspur, which is for me a special fixture for West Ham United.
It is a derby game and derby games are always special, plus it is our first meeting Spurs at London Stadium.
Of course, it also a massive game for both clubs points-wise. We need a win to be sure of being safe in the Premier League, while they are fighting for the title and need to get three points to keep the pressure on Chelsea.
I am confident we will have a fantastic atmosphere at London Stadium tonight. I know our fans will get behind us and support us and we hope to reward them with a victory that we can all enjoy.
Also, I made my debut at Spurs and we won 1-0 back in 1996, so I have good memories of playing against them as a Hammer.
It is more special for me when we play Spurs because it is the game, no matter where we are in the table.
I remember speaking to my staff at Chadwell Heath last season before we played them at Upton Park and I felt the same – it is a bit special and I’m definitely sure the atmosphere is going to be special tonight.
Of course, I am excited about this game. It reminds me a bit of the Manchester United game last season at Upton Park.
It’s a Friday night game, under the lights, against Spurs and they need points, we need points, so it’s a massive game.
If you are confident, if you are a sportsman, these are the reasons why you want to be involved in this job.
As a player, these are the games you can’t wait for.
OK, in the Premier League, they are all like that, but this is an extra one.
Spurs at home is massive.
Come on you Irons!
Slaven