WEST HAM boss Gianfranco Zola insists he will not abandon his attacking philosophy and swap it for a more cautious approach, despite the team's disastrous start to the season.

The Hammers welcome another forward-thinking side to Upton Park on Sunday, as Arsene Wenger, a manager Zola admires greatly, will lead his Arsenal players out for what promises to be an entertaining contest.

Zola finds several similarities between Wenger's methods and the type of project that he is trying to build at the Boleyn Ground. But he remains steadfast in his ambition to encourage a free-flowing style of play, in spite of their plight, which sees them lie second-bottom of the Premier League.

“I'm not tempted to change our style," said the Italian. "I would rather change jobs. It is the way I like to play, the way that is right for this club, and I will not change on principle.

"Arsène Wenger is a manager I look up to very much, because of the way he plays and the fact he works with young players. That fits in with the project we are trying to do here.

"Mostly I like his strength of character. He has been through some difficult moments but he never changes his philosophy, always playing attacking football."

The job is a difficult one, however. Their current record of one win, two draws and five defeats is the same opening sequence they managed during the 2002/03 season – a campaign that ended in relegation. But Zola is so far refusing to push the panic button.

"I never give up. My determination to succeed is stronger than anything.

"The situation is difficult because I care about his club and to see us in this position hurts me. When I was a player it was easier to get on with your job, but as manager you have more responsibility."

Nevertheless, he is still not tempted to lend a hand to his player by joining them on the pitch.

"There was a moment last year when I thought about it, but the time has gone," he laughed. "But I have a lot of faith in my players. There is a really good spirit and I think we can change things.

“This situation is pushing me a lot and it is a test for me, but I am really working hard to sort it out."