Slaven Bilic was quizzed by the media at his pre match press conference on whether West Ham will finish fifth, sixth, seventh or eighth”
“Fifth is difficult, It’s the last game of the season and the situation is the same for a few clubs in a few countries. Real Madrid are hoping that Barcelona don’t win their last game – it’s unlikely but when it comes to the last game it’s always possible with the pressure and everything.
“But we shouldn’t be concentrating on that, not even with one ear. We have to do the job, we have a very difficult game because Stoke want to finish on a high and if they win they are breaking their record of points. They have a good team and all we have to do is try to replicate that performance from Tuesday night and win the game.
“If we win the game we will be happy, definitely, because we will be sixth minimum, fifth possibly if Manchester United slip, or fourth if Manchester City lose 25-0!”
“But we shouldn’t be concentrating on that, not even with one ear. We have to do the job, we have a very difficult game because Stoke want to finish on a high and if they win they are breaking their record of points. They have a good team and all we have to do is try to replicate that performance from Tuesday night and win the game.
“If we win the game we will be happy, definitely, because we will be sixth minimum, fifth possibly if Manchester United slip, or fourth if Manchester City lose 25-0!”
Definitely still a lot to play for. We don’t know Van Gael’s thinking. Will he put out his best Sat. And hope MC gift him fourth by losing, or will he decide to save his best team for the cup, which is much bigger certainty and in their own hands.
If he does (and IMO it’s his best option) then the door opens to a fifth place for us and no chance of a Liverpool play off for Europe