West Ham vs Huddersfield: Slaven Bilic admits home form is key... and vows 'the quality will come'

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West Ham host Huddersfield on Monday night looking to pick up their first points of the Premier League season.

Slaven Bilic is under increasing pressure following three straight defeats, albeit all away from the London Stadium.

Here, Bilic and David Wagner preview the action to come between two sides in contrasting form.

Slaven Bilic in his own words

West Ham can kick-start their season with three of their next four league games at home

How can you improve home form from last season?

Home form is the key. You need to get points at home. That's a must. The fans come, and you want to feel at home. This isolated game is doubly important because we have zero points from three away games. So we need the points.

Time to capitalise with three of next four at home?

When we were talking in the beginning about the three away games, we said, "It will get even by the end of September". After seven games, you will come into a normal routine. Home, away, home, away.

The Hammers must make the London Stadium a fortress after a difficult opening season

Does the London Stadium feel like home?

Last season we didn't start well. Was that because of the stadium? A bit, yes. Every club have difficulties in moving stadiums, especially when moving to big, big arenas. But it wasn't only the stadium. We had 10 injuries. I spoke with the players and the feedback is we want to play at home. We accept the new stadium as a home for us now.

Will Diafra Sakho return after trying to leave?

Diafra wanted to go. That issue is not black and white. Did he have permission on paper or just a form or an SMS? I don't know. The fact is he wanted to go [to Rennes]. He did a medical, but the club decided not to sell him and he's back. I told him, 'Diafra, you are fit, I know what you can do'.

'He looks good in training. He will know that until January he is a West Ham player. That's the way he's going to get a new contract or play again for Senegal or get a move – if he plays good.

Diafra Sakho could be welcomed back into the West Ham squad after an eventful deadline day

So he's in the squad on Monday night?

Probably. He's been training. He flew to Rennes last week, but he's been training since.

Have your players been distracted over the break?

All of our experienced players were here, like (Andy) Carroll, (Mark) Noble, (Winston) Reid. The players who were here, and I contacted the others — we have to go back to basics. 

Together, character, chin up, close them down. It is about that and through that the quality will come.

David Wagner in his own words 

David Wagner was awarded the Premier League manager of the month accolade for August

Did you get a breather during the break?

We did our business before deadline day so I was relaxed. I was in Holland at the beach, but near Amsterdam airport so I [could] fly if something happened.

Will you change your plans to face West Ham?

We only change if the game plan of the opponent changes. Andy Carroll is a different character to Chicharito as a No 9. It only makes sense to prepare your team for two different ideas if the opponent can change his game plan.

Can frustrated West Ham fans work in your favour?

What usually happens at home is more stones on your shoulders from the stands. It doesn't help if you are aware about this but don't make use of it.

The Terriers have made a fine start to life in the top flight with seven points from three games

How has your life changed in the Premier League?

I have more work to do, especially in the club. We have rebuilt this facility and I am involved in a lot of the decisions. My private life has changed because more people ask for autographs or selfies. This is nothing that I need but it's part of the job and you accept it.

When do you stop being 'little' Huddersfield?

We are a Premier League club, like West Ham. But they work with different numbers. They have a 60,000-capacity stadium, we have a capacity of 25,000. This does not mean we are not ambitious. We have our target on Monday.