GIANFRANCO Zola believes West Ham are four wins away from Europe - but he has launched an attack on the format of UEFA competitions and feels they have been devalued.
Zola's men are seventh in the Barclays Premier League and in the hunt for a place in next season's Europa League, the revamped version of the UEFA Cup.
Although there is a new name and schedule, there will still be plenty of games in group stages before the knockout rounds start.
"Years ago, this competition was more attractive and that is something that maybe should be thought about for the future," said Hammers boss Zola.
"For me it is nonsense. But I have the same idea about the Champions League really. For me, It does not have the same attractiveness as it had before.
"Before it was a proper Champions League. To participate, you had to come first.
"It had a different value and it was the same for the UEFA Cup. It was much more attractive. A knockout competition already makes it more interesting."
Zola may feel European qualification has been devalued but he is determined to guide West Ham there in his first season as a manager, with his players benefiting from the experience.
They have already reached the 40-point mark for safety and could edge towards their target for Europe with a win at Blackburn this weekend.
He added: "We have not been in Europe for a while. I played in Europe many years ago and I know how good it is to play in those competitions, not only for the silverware you can get but also for the players it is an opportunity to improve as if you play abroad you always improve. I wish we can achieve that.
"We need to push because we want to achieve the estimate of 52 points if we want to go to Europe, we need to push ourselves hard because we have a few injuries.
"It is achievable. You have to think in this way. You have to have a target and you have to give everything to achieve that."
Zola insists his players have not been distracted by the Carlos Tevez affair this week, with Sheffield United players seeking legal advice over possible compensation.
"As far as I'm concerned and as far as I know it should be finished," Zola said. "I just don't want to hear about it anymore really, I've had enough."
For the trip to Ewood Park, Zola needs to check on Matthew Upson's calf injury.
"We have to wait until the day before the game to see, we will only know then. It is not too bad but we don't want to make things worse," he said.
Savio Nsereko needs to be checked, while Diego Tristan and Kieron Dyer could be back in contention.
Although there is a new name and schedule, there will still be plenty of games in group stages before the knockout rounds start.
"Years ago, this competition was more attractive and that is something that maybe should be thought about for the future," said Hammers boss Zola.
"For me it is nonsense. But I have the same idea about the Champions League really. For me, It does not have the same attractiveness as it had before.
"Before it was a proper Champions League. To participate, you had to come first.
"It had a different value and it was the same for the UEFA Cup. It was much more attractive. A knockout competition already makes it more interesting."
Zola may feel European qualification has been devalued but he is determined to guide West Ham there in his first season as a manager, with his players benefiting from the experience.
They have already reached the 40-point mark for safety and could edge towards their target for Europe with a win at Blackburn this weekend.
He added: "We have not been in Europe for a while. I played in Europe many years ago and I know how good it is to play in those competitions, not only for the silverware you can get but also for the players it is an opportunity to improve as if you play abroad you always improve. I wish we can achieve that.
"We need to push because we want to achieve the estimate of 52 points if we want to go to Europe, we need to push ourselves hard because we have a few injuries.
"It is achievable. You have to think in this way. You have to have a target and you have to give everything to achieve that."
Zola insists his players have not been distracted by the Carlos Tevez affair this week, with Sheffield United players seeking legal advice over possible compensation.
"As far as I'm concerned and as far as I know it should be finished," Zola said. "I just don't want to hear about it anymore really, I've had enough."
For the trip to Ewood Park, Zola needs to check on Matthew Upson's calf injury.
"We have to wait until the day before the game to see, we will only know then. It is not too bad but we don't want to make things worse," he said.
Savio Nsereko needs to be checked, while Diego Tristan and Kieron Dyer could be back in contention.
Copyright (c) Press Association
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