Former West Ham assistant coach Paco Jémez is once again searching for a new club after being relieved of his duties by Moroccan giants Raja Casablanca following a disappointing start to the season.
Jémez earned admirers for the attacking brand of football he implemented in Spain, and many supporters pointed to the turnaround in performances at West Ham as being credited to him.
However, his latest managerial venture has come to an abrupt end after Raja Casablanca opted to make a change just over two months after appointing him.
The club confirmed that Sunday’s 2-0 defeat to RS Berkane would be Jémez’s final match in charge, with officials deciding a fresh approach was needed after reviewing the team’s performances and results.
An official club statement explained that the sporting management felt a change in technical leadership was necessary to provide a new dynamic and improve the club’s chances of meeting its objectives this season.
Despite arriving in Casablanca with an impressive CV that included spells at Rayo Vallecano, Granada, Las Palmas and Mexican side Cruz Azul, the Spaniard struggled to generate momentum. Raja collected just six points from their opening five league fixtures, winning once, drawing three times and losing once.
Those results left his new club down in 13th place and under growing pressure, a situation made worse by a run of performances that failed to convince supporters.
Reports in Morocco had suggested Jémez’s future was already under scrutiny before the defeat against Berkane, with the coach reportedly asking club officials for more time to improve results. However, the latest setback proved decisive.
Following the defeat, Jémez accepted responsibility and apologised to supporters, acknowledging that the team had not produced the level of performance expected from one of Morocco’s biggest clubs. He also stated that he would accept whatever decision the board deemed appropriate.
Could Paco Jémez Return To West Ham?
West Ham ultimately went in a different direction by appointing Rui Pedro Silva as assistant head coach in the summer, despite Jémez publicly stating he wanted to stay on. Yet as of this morning, things have moved on!
Jémez’s latest dismissal serves as a reminder of the ruthless nature of football management.
A coach once regarded as one of Spain’s most innovative tacticians now finds himself looking for a fresh opportunity after another short-lived spell in the dugout.
For me, he’d always be welcome back at West Ham in a coaching capacity as part of Scott Parkers new regime.
A lot of people seem to be crediting Paco with our slight improvement towards the end of last season. Personally I don’t see any reason for that. Whoever is appointed needs to bring some harmony and togetherness to the squad.
Scott Parker gets sides up, but they never really progress. West ham need someone who is going to take us a step forward from promotion to Europe and is good at keeping us up at the same time. Paco would make a great proven number two.