Zola's managerial career started with two Barclays Premier League wins on the trot but the Hammers have recorded just a point since and are hovering above the relegation zone heading into Saturday's clash against Portsmouth.

Last week's 3-1 defeat to Everton, after leading with seven minutes remaining, left Zola frustrated - and the squad went through their problems in a frank meeting.

"We had a chat and confrontation and I think that was a positive thing, and now on the pitch we will see whether it gives us positive results or not," said the Italian.

"We are aware of the situation. We know what we need to improve if we want to end matches on the winning side instead of the losing side.

"The players believe in that and they want to react and sort out the situation. That is encouraging."

Zola's glittering career with Napoli, Parma and Chelsea has included many tests of character - and West Ham's current plight is up there with the toughest challenges he has faced.

The 42-year-old added: "It is a test for me. It is not an easy one but I like it.

"I have had low moments in my career, bad moments. But I have reacted always very well. And I am doing the same here. So I won't let myself down and I won't allow anybody to do that."

Zola insisted he was relishing the task, adding: "This is not pressure. Come on! I want more pressure! This is okay. I can handle it."

He has not been helped by uncertainty behind the scenes at Upton Park, but he insists a run of results will lead to "many shadows disappearing".

"A couple of wins and you can be seventh or in the top 10," he said. "Once I got the team playing good football, I did not expect to get bad results! It is a strange situation. But I don't give up.

"You have to believe in what you are doing and I do believe in what I am trying to create here.

"I know what the teams in this and other countries do in training and I know what we are doing in training is as good as them. In many cases better. We just need to be patient and wait for the result."

The philosophy Zola refers to stems from his time at Parma with Nevio Scala when the Gialloblu were playing with flair.

"I think that we can do that here," Zola added. "There are many examples of teams playing good football in this country and competing at the highest level. I won't give up on my ideas."

Zola is without Diego Tristan for the Pompey clash, but Valon Behrami and James Tomkins are back in contention. Kieron Dyer has returned to training with the first team but is not ready.