Slaven Bilic insists that the Premier League title race is not over, as his West Ham side prepare to face runaway leaders Chelsea, as reported in theDaily Mail.
The Hammers host Chelsea at the London Stadium on Monday night, who find themselves well ahead of the nearest competitors. But Bilic says that Antonio Conte's side must be wary of the chasing pack, in the same way that West Ham can not consider themselves safe from relegation.
Bilic said: "It is still very open, there are many, many points available.Like the clubs below us. Let's say we are in the position of Chelsea, or even better, regarding the clubs in the relegation zone.We are not afraid of our position, but you know that you need points to stay up and improve.
"Those teams who are down there, like Sunderland, Hull, they are hoping and planning to get the points. They know if they get the points they have a chance.It is the same with Chelsea and the five teams chasing them. They still think they have a chance to catch Chelsea if Chelsea slip, and they can slip in every game."
Meanwhile, former West Ham striker FrankMcAvennie has welcomed reports that Bilic is set to sign a new contract with the Hammers. Bilic's current contract expires at the end of the season, but reports suggest that talks about a renewal are already underway.
McAvennie, who has been impressed by Bilic, said that: "It has been hard for West Ham. We go back to people being scared to visit Upton Park, nobody is scared or intimidated going to the new stadium.So they have to create that, to earn the right to intimidate teams.At the moment they are just starting to play again.
Slaven Bilic will delay new contract talks until the end of the season because he wants no distractions from the job in hand. [C&H] pic.twitter.com/9iiSmBQRUk
McAvennie on Bilic: "The fans love it because he is kicking balls & jumping about like a player. He has the club at heart." pic.twitter.com/BD1zrtVAZW
"They are playing better away from home at the moment but that will come.Slaven is definitely the right man for the job. I am delighted he is getting a new contract.
"He is so enthusiastic.The fans down there love it because he is kicking balls and he is jumping about like a player. He has the club at heart and good luck to him."