Rafa Benitez ready to take over as West Ham United manager if David Moyes is sacked
Rafa Benitez is “ready” to take over as West Ham manager if the club decide to sack David Moyes, according to a report from the Daily Mail (21 February, page 72).
Moyes is safe from the axe now despite the fact West Ham lost 2-0 against Tottenham in the previous league game, and he will be given at least Saturday’s home match against Nottingham Forest to turn things around.
Benitez, 62, fancies the job. The former Everton boss, who guided Liverpool to Champions League victory in 2005, wants a long-term deal but the Hammers are willing to offer him an 18-month contract.
Good option?
The Hammers are likely to miss out on Mauricio Pochettino and Thomas Tuchel, and Benitez appears to be the best option for them.
Benitez won two Spanish La Liga titles with Valencia and also did a remarkable job at Liverpool, but his managerial career has seen ups and Dows in recent years.
He did a fabulous job at Newcastle United, and also won trophies at both Napoli and Chelsea as well. His stint with Everton was a failure but then again, he wasn’t properly backed by the club.
Known for his ultra-defensive approach, Benitez is a fantastic tactician. He has this great ability to frustrate top teams, but he can be a divisive figure among the fans.
He has got a good reputation for nurturing young talents, something the West Ham board will appreciate. However, he is quick to ditch players who do not fit into his methods.
At Everton, he was responsible for developing Anthony Gordon, but at the same time, he threw Lucas Digne out of the club. His appointment comes with a big risk.