West Ham boss Slaven Bilic wants to mirror Antonio Conte’s ambition and build long-term success

Striving for success: Slaven Bilic
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Ken Dyer6 March 2017

Slaven Bilic wants to mirror Antonio Conte’s ambition at Chelsea and help build long-term success at West Ham.

The two managers go head-to-head tonight at the London Stadium and after Conte told Standard Sport last week he wants to stay at Stamford Bridge for years, Bilic too, believes he can build something special at his club.

The Croatian has another season to run on his contract after this one but it is likely West Ham will offer him an improved deal this summer.

“The longer you stay somewhere, the more chance you have to win things,” said the West Ham manager.

“Sometimes the best season for a coach is their first season, as with Claudio Ranieri at Leicester. He couldn’t do any better than last season.

“There are examples like that which prove me wrong, but normally you have a much bigger chance if you are given time to build your team and improve it.

“With us, we knew that this season would not be easy, but I believe everyone can see we are now on an upward curve.

“We have had some bumps along the way and there will be more to come, but I think everyone can feel we are moving the right way.”

Striker Andy Carroll looks likely to return tonight after missing two games with a groin injury.

Bilic said: “Andy is looking good. He has trained for the last week and it is good to have him back.”

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