Former Manchester City boss Mancini has been linked with the Hammers hotseat this week.
West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic has responded to questions about Roberto Mancini by insisting that he is not worried about reports suggesting that the Italian manager is being lined up to replace him, as quoted by the Daily Express.
Bilic is coming under pressure from some sections of the Hammers support and the media as the London club struggle with a difficult start to the season.
After finishing seventh last season in arguably their most impressive campaign this century, the Irons were knocked out of the Europa League before reaching the group stage and have lost five of their first six Premier League fixtures.
That has led to rumours that Bilic’s job could be under threat, and a report earlier this week from calciomercato suggested that the club were lining up Premier League-winning boss Mancini as a potential replacement.
Bilic was quizzed about these rumours in his press conference on Thursday, but gave a bullish response.
The Croatian said, via the Express: “Last year, when you were asking me about new contracts, I didn’t want to talk about this. I am not worried about that [Mancini link]. I am delighted to be here and have a job.
“But I am concentrated on training and preparing the game, analysing the opponent and working with the players, putting the best possible team out and put my whole energy into my team. That is my contract, new or old.”
It is, of course, still very early in the season, but the poor manner in which West Ham have begun both the campaign and life at their new London Stadium home is undoubtedly a cause for concern.
Bilic’s side have conceded 11 times in their last three games, and a drastic upturn in form is desperately needed if they are to avoid this terrible start becoming symptomatic of a poor season on the whole.
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