Jose Mourinho backed for West Ham United job despite Newcastle United links
Darren Bent has backed Jose Mourinho to become West Ham United manager before Newcastle United boss.
Reports have suggested the former Chelsea and Manchester United boss is interested in taking over the reins at St James’ Park, if Eddie Howe was to leave the Magpies [The Guardian, 8 November].
Although Julen Lopetegui currently remains in charge at the London Stadium, talkSPORT pundit Bent believes Mourinho would be a better fit as Lopetegui’s successor than he would as Howe’s.
Speaking on talkSPORT on Friday (8 November, 16:10) he said: “I think there are clubs out there who would take him in the Premier League.
“I think West Ham fans are not happy with Lopetegui at all. I don’t want to be disrespectful to the club and the manager, when I look at a club like Wolves who are currently rock bottom of the Premier League table, Jose’s not going there.
“West Ham’s one where you go they’re underachieving, even though Wolves are underachieving as well because I think they’ve got some nice players, West Ham with the money they spent in the summer, even I was a bit like Lopetegui and these players, minimum has to be top eight.
“The fact they are where they are in the league, West Ham are currently what? 14th. They’ve got established internationals in their squad, they’re underachieving.
“So Jose for West Ham but Jose for Newcastle? No.”
Will West Ham sack Julen Lopetegui at the London Stadium?
Supporters are already growing tired of Lopetegui’s football at the London Stadium and while it seems as though the former Real Madrid boss is here for the long haul, it wouldn’t be a complete surprise if there was a change in the dugout sooner rather than later.
Results and performances have been nowhere near good enough so far this season and while it is still early days, the Irons’ hand could be forced if they are dragged into a genuine relegation battle.
Whether or not Mourinho would be the right man to step into the fold as Lopetegui’s replacement is another question entirely. Yes, the Portugese boss is a proven winner, but why is he the right fit for the Irons if he isn’t right for Newcastle?
Both clubs are trying to build a project to climb the Premier League table. If Bent doesn’t think the time is right for the Magpies to be appointing the special one, it surely wouldn’t be the right time for the Hammers as well.
In other West Ham news, Tim Steidten will be on red alert after a new Adeloma Lookman update emerged at Atalanta
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