Pellegrini told he has to change things dramatically
But nobody is holding their breath!
Truth is though that should he continue with a formation and tactical approach which has been proved not to work over and over again he will presumably get whatever comes his way and cannot have a single complaint.
I have spoken to a manager this morning who is among those named as a possible for the Hammers job should Pellegrini be sacked in a bid to get a professional opinion on the problems within the team.
I obviously can’t name him but he had some interesting opinions and questions and is a man who has played against Pellegrini teams in the past.
AND EVERY ONE OF THEM WAS IN TUNE WITH WHAT THE FANS HAVE BEEN REPEATING!
His first observation will raise no eyebrows whatsoever but it confirms the widespread view that the lack of pace and power – notably in midfield – is the biggest issue any new boss would have to solve.
And he added: “That’s gonna be a real problem for whoever it might be.”
He was also concerned that the Chilean doesn’t demonstrate any of the passion which you see associated with other managers saying: “I have played against his teams and met him several times – a hard man with whom to connect!”
His next question to me was whether there were any dressing room leaders other than the admirable Mark Noble. My response was probably Snoddy, Antonio only Zaba – in his last year at the club anyway.
He made the immediate observation that in these circumstances leaders were of the paramount importance but that the lack of pace through the team appeared to be the major problem.
And with that in mind he said gloomily: “It’s pretty obvious that everything starts at the back and the goals you are conceding is dreadful – any new manager would have to look at that straight away.
Manuel loves to attack of course as we all do but he has to put that all on hold and start tightening everything up. Football isn’t rocket science.
I don’t think there’s any way West Ham can carry on playing the attacking game we have seen them attempt even at Southampton where he really needs nothing but a win. There has to be a dramatic change of approach.
There’s some dead dead wood in there but they have enough to escape relegation so long as there’s a change of approach. It’s that which I believe has landed them where they are.
“They need unity in the dressing room, passion on the training pitch and a determination to defend for their lives. Do they have any of that? Doesn’t look like it”