The Hammers travel to Middlesbrough tomorrow having been beaten by Bolton, Hull, Arsenal and Manchester United this month.

The Italian knew when he agreed to succeed Alan Curbishley earlier in the season that there would be difficult times, especially as players continue to succumb to injury.

But he insisted he would continue to enjoy the game he loves whatever the result.

"I keep smiling because the situation doesn't worry me. I know how the team has been playing and that gives me the confidence to keep on smiling," Zola said.

"For me there is always something to enjoy in football. I enjoy it when I am winning but also when I am losing.

"Not as much when I am losing but I won't let that take the joy of being in such a wonderful game way from me. I try very hard to keep my smile all the time.

"Of course I worry. I have my moments but they are straight away overcome by good feelings. You don't want to be too involved emotionally because emotions can cause problems.

"I am a positive man and that is the way I have always handled my life.

"We are not doing well at the moment so what can I do? I have two choices. I could get angry and lose my clarity of mind or keep calm and try to see how we can improve. That is what I think a manager should do."

The winless run has left the Hammers in mid-table and Zola knows unless it is halted the club could find itself on the brink of a relegation battle.

But he insisted: "I keep telling the players, we need to keep doing the same things as I'm sure a big result will come.

"Maybe it will be today, maybe next week, but I'm sure it will come.

"My faith comes from the work we are doing, which I know has been very good. I have been a footballer for such a long time and I know how to value work in training sessions.

"The attitude of the players has been great so far. They have been very unlucky not to get results in the last few games.

"I have seen results like this many times before. This team is not playing like a team that is going to have problems with relegation.

"This team is playing well and just needs a little bit of confidence, and this will come through the games and through results."

Midfielder Valon Behrami is the latest to join a lengthy casualty list with the Swiss international to undergo a scan on a calf injury.

Captain Lucas Neill is back however following time on the sidelines recovering from a virus.