Belief in David Moyes ‘dwindling’ in dressing room as West Ham line up replacements for Declan Rice
West Ham are lining up replacements for Declan Rice in the belief that he will leave the club in the summer, according to Jacob Steinberg.
The Guardian journalist shares that the belief in David Moyes is also “dwindling” in the West Ham dressing room as the Hammers are teetering on the verge of relegation.
Moyes has clashed with several senior players this season, and many feel his approach has backfired. The Hammers have lost their last five games in the Premier League and face Leeds United on Wednesday (4 January) at Elland Road.
“Belief in Moyes is dwindling in the dressing room. The Scot has clashed with several senior players this season and there is a feeling that his counterpunching approach is holding the team back,” wrote Steinberg for The Guardian (3 January).
“This cannot go on indefinitely. West Ham are lining up replacements for Rice in the belief their club captain will leave in the summer, but they need to start thinking about the man in the dugout.”
Time to go?
Make no mistake, Moyes has done a terrific job at the club, and he will be always remembered for what he has done.
He took charge of the club when they were facing a relegation threat, and in three years, he took them to a top-six finish and a Europa League semi-final.
However, it seems like Moyes is gradually losing his grip on the side, and it’s time for the Hammers board to make the change if the results do not improve immediately.
There is no cohesion at the moment, as Moyes is yet to find out what should be his best team. The injuries to some of his key players didn’t help, but overall the Hammers lacked imagination in the final third. It is dull and boring.
The Hammers face Leeds at Elland Road next and it’s a must-win game for them. Another defeat away from home will be a killer blow and Moyes may struggle to keep his job.
In defence, summer Nayef Aguerd is expected to make his Premier League debut, while Michail Antonio could return as well.
There is no dearth of individual quality in the side, but Moyes is struggling to make it work as a team.