West Ham United’s transition to the London Stadium has not been smooth but manager Slaven Bilic is hopeful of brightening the mood by delivering the Emirates FA Cup to east London.
They start their journey on Friday night, with the first-ever FA Cup tie at their new home against Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City.
The Hammers have lost four of their 10 Premier League games, and no one in the division has scored fewer than their tally of nine goals in front of their own fans.
But Bilic is still intent on making this a season to remember by delivering the club a first major trophy since 1980.
“We have big ambitions,” he said.
“We are at home to Manchester City, a very big club, so we are going to have a very strong side.
“They had a brilliant start to the season. They have slowed down a little bit and the other big teams have hit form.
“It’s a big game for both clubs and for the fans of course. I’m sure they are going to put out a very strong team because it is a big chance for them to get a trophy.
“We are also dreaming about trophies.
“It is definitely more likely we are closer to a trophy in the cups than the league, like most of the clubs. It is a big ambition for us. We have a very difficult draw.
“We had tough ones in the EFL Cup with Chelsea and Manchester United. Manchester City will approach this cup very seriously but we are positive because our form is good now.”
On a landmark night for West Ham, highly-decorated City coach Guardiola will get to experience the magic of the FA Cup for the first time.
The 45-year-old has won domestic cups in both Spain and Germany, but cannot wait to sample what these shores have to offer.
“In the Bundesliga, the cup tradition is special. What I hear here is that the Cup is special because the low teams can beat the big teams - that’s why it’s fascinating,” said Guardiola.
“I’m looking forward to it. We were unlucky in the draw.
“We play West Ham away. They are a Premier League team, we are away, it’s tough.
“I want to continue in this competition.”
