The Hammers have not won in their last seven matches and are 14th in the table ahead of Sunday's trip to Sunderland, but Zola does not see any reason to be miserable.

He was known for his lighthearted approach as a player for Chelsea and, he said, as a manager he is no different.

"Obviously I can't be the happiest man in the world because of the situation but I like to keep positive," said Zola.

"If I let myself get down I won't be able to help my team. I try all the time to be like that and I try to make my players have the same attitude.

"Despite all the interest and money involved, this remains a game - a wonderful game - and for me to enjoy what it is I have to stay positive all the time."

The 42-year-old is looking forward to renewing his rivalry with Sunderland boss Roy Keane, the former Manchester United captain - albeit from the dugout - but he is under no illusions how tough the trip to the north east will be.

"He was a player I admired very much," Zola added. "He was like (Portsmouth manager, Tony) Adams in that he was an example to his team and a leader.

"Although it was tough to play against Roy he's one of the ones you respect a lot.

"It's so pleasing to see players you played against for so many years on the pitch now being managers like me.

"It's going to be a tough match because they are a good side. But it'll be a good test for us. We know the situation and just need to focus on this game."

Zola is keen to instil in his team the kind of free-flowing, fluid football for which he was famous at Chelsea, and he insists this approach will not change even if results are not going his way.

"I like the way we play and I think the club put me in charge because I have this kind of mentality," he added.

"I don't give up my ideas because we are in a bad spell. I keep faith in my ideas and this is the reason I went into management because I want to make my ideas work."