West Ham United manager Gianfranco Zola admits he is under pressure to produce a solution to the team's early-season form slump.

The Italian tactician sees his Hammers languishing in 18th position in the EPL table and face a much-improved Manchester City side at Eastlands on Monday night.

Zola knows performances have to improve but is remaining positive ahead of the clash with former Chelsea teammate Mark Hughes who is at the helm of City.

"Both of us are under pressure for different reasons. He knows with the budget and the team he has got he has to produce results," said Zola.

"But I have to produce solutions and that is a pressure as well.

"I am coping with the job and the situation is making me more creative, more responsible. It is a good challenge. A positive pressure.

"I like to work with the players and make them improve. And to build a team. I wouldn't mind some money to spend on a good player.

"It would make the process a little quicker. But I don't mind, I like what I am doing and this team has got a future."