Zola braced for Premier League kick-off

It's the minimum requirement as Zola, known as Mister around the club, looks to build on last season's 9th place finish.

The Wharf sat down with the amiable Italian for a chat last week as he outlined his hopes for the new season.

He said: "The target is to improve on what we did last year. We came very close to getting into Europe, so ideally we need to achieve that. It would be something very important for the club.

"Bear in mind it's not easy. People have to understand we are working very hard to match their expectations. I'm sure expectation is high, but we need the support of the people and the understanding that it's not going to be easy. If we start with those principles, that frame of mind, then it will be much easier for us."

The Hammers have found themselves at a disadvantage in the transfer market over the summer, and fans have been left frustrated at the lack of new faces at The Boleyn ahead.

Manchester City and Tottenham have been splashing the cash and Zola admitted it will make it harder to achieve his European dream.

He said: "Definitely. Last season Fulham ended up in Europe and behind there was Tottenham and Manchester City. They will be certainly better this year, so you have to really go in front of those two teams.

"Plus you have Everton in front of you, and Villa. It's going to be a tight one but we like the challenge."

Rumours still persist that Matthew Upson, likely to be named West Ham captain this week, will join City, although Zola wants all his key players, including the England defender, to stay.

He said: "I'm expecting them to stay because the club wants to progress and wants to improve on what we did last year. To do that you have to keep the best players and try to get some more.

"I'm not worried about Matthew because I think he is happy here. For his game and for the national team West Ham can be very good for him, so hopefully he will stay.

Although the Irons played some very attractive football last season their goal tally - just 42 in 38 league matches - was disappointing.

Zola wants to sign at least two more strikers to bolster his front line, and is adamant Dean Ashton (pictured) is part of his plans.

He admitted Ashton's injury problems have been frustrating for everybody.

He said: "My disappointment is the player's disappointment. When I think about his situation I don't only think about me not having Dean Ashton as a striker, because I know how good he can be, but I'm also thinking about Dean Ashton the person.

"He's been out for one year and he's not back yet. I'm sure he's feeling a little bit down about it and I feel sorry for him. Hopefully the situation will improve for him and I will be very pleased and flattered to have a player like him in my team.

"Imagine if I had a player like him last year."

Until a new striker arrives Zola will be looking to his midfield to provide more goals, as well as £5million signing Savio to make more of a contribution.

"Goals from midfield are very important." he said.

"We cannot only rely on Carlton Cole's goals. We need to have more players that can provide goals for us, so that is something we are going to be working on.

"And more from Savio would be fantastic. I'm still waiting for the boy. We are still working on him. I know last year he came here with big expectation from everybody, me included.

"But the boy, I remind everybody including myself, is only 19. He's got some qualities but obviously he's really struggling in getting through these heavy expectations around him. He's putting a lot of pressure on himself.

"We have no doubt he is a good player and this year I don't intend to put any pressure on him. I'm going to be working on him and hopefully he will give us what we want from him."

There is still time for Zola to add to his squad, although he is pleased with loan signing Luis Jiminez. The Chilean showed some nice touches against Napoli last Saturday and should provide some much-needed midfield guile.

"He's settling in to the squad very well," said Zola. "He's a wonderful boy and I'm expecting him to do what David Di Michele did last year and possibly improve it.

"So far he has done well. I don't think anybody has seen him yet at his best because last year he went six months without playing so he needs to keep up with his condition.

"But the quality of the boy you can see is not in doubt and I'm sure we are going to help him be a really effective player for us."

Zola has made a good start to managerial life. Taking West Ham back into Europe would certainly turn that into a great start and put him well on the way to becoming a club legend.