Slaven Bilic can understand why Adrian might be looking for a move

By Mark Crellin

Image: Adrian has hinted he could leave West Ham in January

West Ham manager Slaven Bilic says he can understand why back-up goalkeeper Adrian has said he may look for a move in January.

But Bilic also pointed out that it is good for the prospects of the squad to have the sort of competition which Adrian is providing for current first-choice Joe Hart.

Adrian has only featured in the Carabao Cup this season and told Radio Marca earlier this week that he is "not happy in this situation" and needed a move if he hopes to make the Spain World Cup squad.

Bilic told the media on Thursday: "I can understand players want to play and that's why they are sportsmen at the top level

"But we also need a good squad and good keepers.

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"I can understand it but, on the other hand, Adrian is a great professional and he is acting and behaving as I would expect.

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"He's working hard in training to get his chance and is getting his chance in the cup only, but that can change, of course."

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And Bilic added that he was unperturbed about Adrian's decision to speak out about his situation.

"We have a squad and they all want to play, and you can't expect the players who aren't playing to be happy," said the Hammers boss.

"For the sake of the team, we need their professionalism and competition, and Adrian is acting like that.

West Ham have had 12 players sent off under Slaven Bilic but the manager does not think a lack of discipline is an issue

"If I was on the bench and I was a player, if they asked me 'are you happy that you are not playing?', I don't expect the players to say 'I'm raving, I'm over the moon and I don't play'.

"It happens everywhere and it can also be a positive thing that the guy wants to play."

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