Slaven Bilic faced the media ahead of Saturday's game with Watford

Ahead of the Hammers trip to Vicarage Road on Saturday, Slaven Bilic held his weekly pre-match press conference.



The boss answered questions on a range of topics, from facing Watford, maintaining their away form and where the Hammers can improve.



Good morning Slaven, how do you reflect on the fantastic start to the season? Why has it gone so well?



“Well, it’s been a good start and we are enjoying it but we are keeping our feet on the ground totally. It’s only a start, but we are confident and if we continue to work hard, like we have been from day one, I don’t see a reason why we should drop dramatically. There will be ups and downs with results, that’s football, but we are confident and we are gaining everything that is important: atmosphere, individual confidence, team bonding. Winning games is the best way of doing that.



“The reason we are doing well is the quality of the players, the team spirit, our pattern of working hard, we are respecting the opponents but not fearing them. It is down to hard work with individual responsibility. It is very enjoyable so far.”



What areas can you specifically improve on?



“Everything, everything. The players have only known each other for a couple of months, we can improve on winning second balls, set pieces. We definitely have to improve our shooting because we are not shooting enough from the situations where we should be. Our transition from defence to attack and the other way round can be better too. Basically, we can improve everything.



“This doesn’t mean I’m not happy with our performances, I am happy. But we know we can improve.”



What are you expecting from Watford this Saturday?



“They are a very good team and very hard to beat. They are going to approach the game very positively after they beat Stoke. They are a new team; they are improving week by week. They have some good internationals, a lot of experience.



“I rate Quique very highly, not only his past as a player but also as a coach. To have 20 new players and in such a short time, turn them into a solid team is amazing. They look very, very organised. Like every game, it is going to be very difficult. We will have to be on top of our game in order to win.”



You’re linked to a few players, are you expecting much activity in the transfer window?



“We did our job in the summer, I am happy with the team. It’s possible we might get one or offload one or two, nothing major in terms of numbers. If something exceptional becomes available then you never now. We did our job in the summer and are OK.”



What is the team news, any change from last weekend?



“Alex Song isn’t available for Saturday. There hasn’t been much change since last weekend, we have to wait and see if Winston Reid is OK. We have a few knocks and some players have to do their own individual training routine but we are in a good way overall.”



You’re away form has been superb, against mainly top teams. Do you think you will find it hard to motivate your side against Watford?



“No, it’s a Premier League game and we are all professionals so it shouldn’t be a problem. It’s a big game, Watford are a good side. We will lose a game, and when we do I don’t think it’ll be down to motivation.”



Are you surprised at how well Watford have done this season?



“Not really, Watford are a big club. Everyone has known about them for 30, 40 years with Elton John and everything. A lot of the Watford players were on my list at Besiktas and some now here. They are good internationals, some very young and they are hungry. If you add to that they have a really good atmosphere at their stadium, and Quique’s experience, it doesn’t surprise me at all. The only surprise is how quickly they have gelled together. He’s done a great job.”

