The Hammers boss is already down to the bare bones, with injuries continuing to hamper his first-team plans. That means he can ill-afford to lose any bodies during the New Year sales, especially as West Ham still find themselves embroiled in a relegation dogfight. Reports have suggested that England international defender Matthew Upson is attracting interest, while Valon Behrami, Scott Parker and Carlton Cole have all been linked with winter exits. Zola, though, is hoping that the Hammers board will let him retain the core members of his squad, while also allowing him to bring in one or two fresh faces. "What is most important is we maintain the spirit we have shown recently, that will be the key more than anything else," said the Italian. "We need to adjust a few things but things are improving and we are going to be much better." He added: "Of course I don't want to lose my players. Actually I would like to do something to improve the situation. We will see what happens and what we can do."
