Slaven Bilic has claimed that he is "very confident" his West Ham United side will enjoy a strong Premier League season following their Europa League elimination tonight.
The Hammers opened the scoring with a first-minute goal from Carl Jenkinson to establish a 3-2 aggregate lead in their third-round qualifier away to Astra Giurgiu.
However, a brace from Constantin Budescu saw them bow out after losing 2-1 on the night as their focus now turns to Arsenal in their league opener on Sunday.
It is the Croat's first season in charge of the Irons after replacing Sam Allardyce earlier this summer, and Bilic is certain that a bright 2015-16 campaign lies ahead.
"We had a good game and started well when we scored the goal," he told reporters.
"It was a shame that we conceded a cheap goal because until that moment we were controlling the game and I was expecting to us score another one because Astra looked really nervous and started to panic.
"But we conceded that goal and then another one. Obviously we are disappointed to have gone out. We have a big season ahead of us which starts on Sunday and we are going to be good in the Premier League. I am very confident about that."
The Hammers finished 12th last time around.
Shane Callaghan
