An Italian report claims Mancini is a candidate to replace the struggling Bilic.
Questions are beginning to be asked over Slaven Bilic’s future at West Ham United as a result of their terrible start to the season, and according to calciomercato, the club have former Manchester City boss Roberto Mancini lined up as a potential replacement if they sack the Croatian.
The Hammers have suffered a dreadful start to the campaign, being knocked out of the Europa League in the play-off round and losing five of their first six Premier League fixtures.
It is not just results that have put Bilic under pressure but the manner of them. The London side have conceded 11 times in their last three matches, including throwing away a two-goal home lead against Watford to lose 4-2.
The move to the London Stadium has not been met with the successful transition that was hoped for, and fan dissent has become a regular occurrence at home games.
All this has led to increasing speculation that Bilic may not have the luxury of time – BBC pundit Chris Sutton suggested that he cannot afford to lose any of the club’s next few games.
Now, Italian outlet calciomercato have reported that Mancini is already being lined up as a leading candidate to replace the former Croatia manager if co-chairmen David Sullivan and David Gold decide a change is needed.
Mancini would certainly seem to have the credentials to succeed. He counts amongst his major managerial honours three Serie A titles with Inter Milan and one Premier League triumph with Manchester City, as well as winning the FA Cup with the Citizens.
The 51-year-old is currently without a job after leaving a second spell at Inter in August, and could well be interested in a return to England.
However, all this is speculation at the minute, and with only six games played in the Premier League, time must surely still be on Bilic’s side to turn around the Hammers’ season.
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