Thursday 2 November 2017 16:34, UK
Slaven Bilic has urged West Ham supporters to be patient as he sets out a cautious approach to Saturday's game against Liverpool.
Wilfried Zaha's injury-time equaliser in last Saturday's 2-2 draw at Crystal Palace has piled the pressure back on Bilic.
The Hammers sit just a point above the relegation zone in 16th and have only two league wins this season - both coming in home matches against Huddersfield and Swansea - and Bilic accepts that Liverpool will be a bigger test.
"Our fans are very educated," said Bilic. "They know what other teams are doing, how they are playing home or away. It doesn't mean you don't want to win the game. We have to be cautious and the fans will need to be patient as well.
"They [Liverpool] are a very good team, they play offensive football and it can leave them a little open at the back.
"We have to be very solid when we play them. They have that pace and quality up front and on the flanks. If you have a good transition and players in the right positions you can hurt them."
The Hammers' boss also accepts that his team's poor form means his position remains at risk and could rest on the Liverpool result.
"I know the situation. I spoke to the chairmen like I do after every game. He didn't have to tell what position I am in, we need something from our next game.
"Every win, even in a cup, will take me and us out of that position."
Pablo Zabaleta is suspended for Saturday's game, while Bilic expects Winston Reid and Aaron Cresswell to return.
