David Sullivan would create new West Ham issue with Max Allegri appointment
West Ham United would suffer issues at the opposite end of the pitch with Max Allegri in charge to where they falter under Julen Lopetegui.
The hardened Italian, 57, has been one of several names linked with replacing Lopetegui if the 58-year-old loses his job anytime soon [The Guardian, 2 December].
In an attacking sense, the Hammers have intermittently impressed despite a shortage of options at centre-forward, while conceding some horrific goals as their defence has been regularly breached.
Six-time Serie A winner Allegri, who was recently sacked from a second spell at Juventus which came in stark contrast to his decorated first stint, gathered a reputation for resolute defensive play but at times left a lot to be desired going forward.
Many West Ham fans’ gripes regarding Lopetegui – who has himself won European trophies and managed Spain and Real Madrid after all – were that for all the club’s intentions to move in a more modern direction, they appointed a head coach only three years junior to David Moyes.
Allegri – who won five Italian top-flight titles with Juve and one with Milan – is just a year younger than Lopetegui, and has spent his life in the same era of coaching as a man who now looks to be back on the brink at the London Stadium after the abysmal defensive display against Arsenal [30 November].
West Ham United would not suit Max Allegri
Allegri’s record at Juventus across the two spells was chalk and cheese, though he did end his spell with the Coppa Italia earlier this year – before his controversial actions in the wake of the success contributed to his departure [BBC Sport, 17 May].
However, it is easier to win five Italian titles with Juve in the late 2010s than to consistently qualify for European football with West Ham.
And if anything, the experienced and domineering boss – who also spent four years with AC Milan – has seen his stock drastically spiral thanks to his return to Turin, particularly with the actions which soured the aftermath of their Coppa Italia final win.
Tim Steidten will already be feeling the pressure. Lopetegui was his man and the summer model change of the club appeared to show signs of huge promise. If the Hammers parted with the Spaniard only to bring in a manager seemingly well past his best, it could be another initially exciting move quickly descending into frustration.
With the money spent in the last transfer window, the one advantage of Allegri over someone like Sergio Conceicao would be shoring up a revamped defence – but at what cost going forward?
The Irons need to kick on, not stay afloat. Allegri would have been a sensational appointment a decade ago. But football moves quickly – a fact of which Lopetegui could be about to feel the full force.
It’s clear Lopetegui is on thin ice at the London Stadium but David Sullivan should be avoiding Allegri as his replacement.
In other West Ham news, a transfer update emerges on a player who only arrived in the summer.
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