Rafa Benitez on short list to be West Ham boss if Bilic sacked – Reports
Claims this morning that Rafa Benitez heads a wish list for West Ham’s owners if/when they push the button on Slaven Bilic.
The Hammers are currently level on points with former Manager Alan Pardew and Crystal Palace, only one place and one point above the relegation zone.
With West Ham playing Manchester United, Arsenal and Liverpool in their next three Premier League games, The Telegraph report that the West Ham hierarchy are preparing to sack Slaven Bilic if results don’t pick up.
The only wins in the Premier League since the opening home game of the season, have been against Palace and Sunderland.
The Telegraph say that potential replacements have already been discussed and a short list drawn up, which includes Rafa Benitez and Eddie Howe. However, the West Ham owners are also said to be realistic and they accept that it would be difficult to persuade either the Newcastle or Bournemouth managers to give up their current jobs.
As well as results, the Hammers hierarchy are also disappointed in the quality of player Bilic has brought in, whilst Howe and Benitez have both impressed in the transfer market.
According to the newspaper, the fallback position if sacking their manager, is to go for one-time Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini. Unlike Rafa Benitez and Eddie Howe, Mancini has been on the open market since being sacked by Inter in August.
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