West Ham “distracted” by takeover talk

(GSM) – West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola believes the ongoing takeover saga at the club is hampering his team’s progress. The Hammers’ debt-ridden owners Straumur are in talks with a number of interested parties – including Cagliari president Massimo Cellino.

Zola is frustrated with the uncomfortable waiting ahead of the club’s finalization of a takeover deal. All transfer dealings could be pushed until the takeover is completed, something which upsets Zola.

“All this talk is affecting everybody and the sooner we get it sorted the better,” said Zola.

“The players want to know and they read a lot of things. We had a chat this morning and we clarified it. As far as I am concerned our priority is on the pitch.

“It is not comfortable but it is not an excuse.

“I know that in my job you are under threat all of the time. I can only focus on the things that are under my control. This is not under my control and I’m not going to spend even a second thinking about that.

“I have a vital game in two days’ time. Although it is not easy as you can imagine, I try to think about the things that I can make a difference. I can’t really spend too much energy on the other things.”

Zola knows Cellino from his time as a Cagliari player but he would not discuss their relationship while the negotiations continue.