Jose Fonte admits West Ham’s flops failed to listen to boss Slaven Bilic’s tactics in Manchester City’s rout
Hammers new boy reveals the reason his side were thrashed by the Citizens
JOSE FONTE admits West Ham's players failed to listen to boss Slaven Bilic's advice on how to tame Manchester City.
The Hammers' new signing endured a debut from hell as his team was ripped to shreds in a 4-0 thrashing at home.
The Portuguese defender said: "We worked on a game plan during the week and when the game started we did not apply it. We tried to over play in areas that the manager said not to.
"We are prepared to work and to get it right. It was not a good night. We started badly and when you give a team like Man City a head start normally there is no way back. It is not what I want but I am prepared to put the work in, prepared to work and improve so we need to focus and improve.
"I am experienced enough that when the team has a bad day it is difficult for everyone not only me, it is not a problem for me as I am still breathing and I am prepared to put the work in and come good. I am looking forward to the next one to recover as I want to win."
Bilic's position remains safe until the summer at least even though the presence of former Man City boss Roberto Mancini in the London Stadium directors' box has sparked rumours the Italian could be up for the job.
But West Ham have let in nine goals against City in their last two meetings without reply and several key players have lost confidence.
Left back Aaron Cresswell wasted a glorious chance to get West Ham back in the game at 2-0 and rookie right back Sam Byram suffered a tough night.
Fonte insists he has 'no problem' going back to face Southampton, the club he just left, in his first away match for West Ham this Saturday.
He said: "I am ready. The fans are disappointed and we apologise and we want to put it right for them. They deserve everything and all our sacrifices and that is what we are going to do."