Slav reveals message he’s preached at squad

Slaven Bilic has revealed that “complacency” after the amazing first season under his management was the main topic he discussed with the squad in pre-season.

And he warned them that they had to continue to earn their success with ‘the basic things’ despite the obvious adventure, excitement and creativity in the squad.

West Ham have been accused of being the Harlem Globetrotters of the Premier League, as they have been full of flicks and tricks, with Dimitri Payet’s audacious rabona assist against Watford accused of being showboating.

However he acknowledges that wins bring you back on track rather than positive meetings.

He said: “That was the topic we talked about most during the pre-season: we have to earn it. Be confident. But don’t forget how we have to be in this situation.

Because of basic things – all those free-kicks, all those rabonas, all those nice combinations are only the cherry on top. But the pie is, like, you have to work for it’,” said Bilic.