West Ham United: Rafa Benitez picked as next manager if David Moyes sacked
West Ham United have decided Rafa Benitez is their number-one choice to succeed David Moyes as manager if he fails to reverse their fortunes in the Premier League, according to the Daily Star.
Moyes’ job has come under increasing pressure in recent weeks following a dramatic slide down the Premier League table, which culminated in a dire 1-0 loss to relegation rivals Wolves last weekend.
Daily Star reported that The Hammers are reluctant to sack the Scot but acknowledge the fact that a loss to Everton this weekend (Saturday 21 January) could leave the club with few options but to part ways.
The report said: “West Ham want Rafa Benitez to be their next manager if they decide to sack David Moyes.
“Hammers bosses have decided the Spaniard would be the No.1 choice should a managerial change take place. Moyes is battling to save his job following a woeful run of the results.”
Experience
Although many fans will pray that Moyes can reverse his team’s fortunes with a huge three points against the Toffees this weekend, his sacking does seem to be just around the corner.
The soon-to-be signing of Danny Ings from Aston Villa seems like a last-gasp attempt to give Moyes the opportunity to end the winless run of seven games in the Premier League.
Benitez, however, does seem to be a little bit of an underwhelming option to succeed the Scot.
The ex-Liverpool manager flattered to deceive during his short stint at local rivals Everton, and although he was maybe not given the tools to succeed, his team’s style of play was extremely underwhelming. In the end, he was sacked after just 12 months in the Goodison Park dugout following a run of nine defeats in 13 games.
What Benitez would bring to West Ham United is experience of managing in the Premier League and a safe pair of hands that could guide them away from the clutch of the relegation zone. The former Champions League winner has extensive experience managing in England, having taken charge of Liverpool, Everton, Newcastle and Chelsea.