The 1-0 loss left the Hammers outside the Barclays Premier League relegation zone only by virtue of goal difference after Hull beat Fulham at the KC Stadium to move level with Zola's side on 27 points.

Zola was criticised for flying back to his native Sardinia to take part in filming an advert for the Italian government shortly after the defeat.

The former Chelsea striker defended his decision to fly home when he returned to training at the Hammers' Chadwell Heath training ground on Wednesday.

"The three days off were planned a month ago because we were coming off a busy period and it was a good idea to give some players some time off," Zola said in the London Evening Standard.

"I know managers who give their players five days off while the maximum we allow is three days. To be honest this is no one else's business but mine as manager.

"I know what my team need and if I give them a few days rest it is because I believe it is the right thing to do.

"I went to Sardinia and while I was there I did an advertisement, if you can call it that, to highlight the role of the father.

"It was an Italian government project to promote the role of the father in the family because there are problems in that respect in Italy."

Zola insists he has the backing of his squad and is determined to carry on as manager despite losing six consectuive games.

"I know I have the players behind me 100% and that is all that matters," said Zola, who takes his side to Everton on Sunday.

"The only time a manager should leave the job is when he hasn't got the support of the players or if somehow he is not able to do his job properly."

Meanwhile, West Ham are also believed to be set to lodge a complaint with the Premier League about Fulham manager Roy Hodgson's decision to field a weakened side against Hull last week.

Hodgson chose to rest six of his players ahead of tonight's Europa League quarter final with Wolfsburg at Craven Cottage.

Wolves manager Mick McCarthy was handed a suspended £25,000 fine for breaking Premier League rules by fielding a weakened team against Manchester United and West Ham could argue that Hodgson is guilty of a similar charge.