Gianfranco Zola: I'm learning from my mistakes at West Ham

Gianfranco Zola claims he is not scared to make mistakes at West Ham - because the errors will make him a better manager.

The Italian admits he took a "big risk" accepting his first job as a boss at Upton Park, and putting his reputation in jeopardy in the unforgiving Premier League spotlight.

The former Chelsea hero has yet to demonstrate his managerial pedigree with his Hammers side in relegation danger after going seven matches without a win.

It might not get any easier in the next three weeks with trips to Sunderland, Liverpool and Chelsea in the pipeline.

But the 42-year-old, who famously missed a crucial penalty at Euro 96 against Germany, insists he will rise to the challenge. And he said the adulation he hopes to receive from the West Ham faithful for bringing success to the club is helping to drive him on.

"I know this is a big risk," admitted the Sardinian. "I am putting myself on the line.

"All the goodness I have done is on the line and I'm going away from Chelsea to another Premier League club, but I like the challenge.

"The bigger the job, the more responsibility and attention you get, so every mistake is in the spotlight.

"I'm not afraid of mistakes.

I became a better player by missing penalties and crying after that but it's all part of the process of becoming better.

"I know that there may be a risk but can you imagine the reception I'm going to get here from the club? It's going to be fantastic. That's what I am thinking about."

Zola worked for two years as assistant manager of the Italian Under-21 team before agreeing a three-year deal in the East End in September.

And he accepts he is still "learning" on the job.

"It's been a challenge because playing football is one thing, coaching the players is another entirely," said Zola.

"Sometimes you have to tell a player everything, sometimes you just have to give a few details.

"Sometimes you tell a young boy to control the ball and pass it, when you should be saying, 'this is how you control and this is where you should be looking to pass it'.

"Sometimes you assume that he knows things already.

"That's what makes very good players good at playing, but maybe not so good at coaching.

"That's why I preferred to start my coaching career with youngsters who can learn from experience and let other people deal with the football.

I'm still learning."

Goalkeeper Robert Green is already a fan of the Zola style, a contrast to the more direct approach of his predecessor Alan Curbishley.

"My right leg is appreciating this style of play a bit more!" said Green. "I don't have to kick the ball so long every game, or so many times."

Julien Faubert is hoping the new regime can make him a permanent fixture in the France squad again.

The former Bordeaux winger won his only cap back in 2006 and has not been selected since his £6million transfer to West Ham.

Faubert, 25, missed most of last season with injury but has been used in midfield and at right-back in this campaign.

He said: "Being honest, I don't think with the services I have provided, I can apply for the French team now. But I can earn a call-up if I perform well so that West Ham works."

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