West Ham United are struggling to replace David Moyes amid doubts over appointing Rafa Benitez. While the Spaniard is now interested in becoming the next Leeds United manager.
That is according to The Guardian, which reports West Ham could stick with Moyes even if they lose to Nottingham Forest. The Irons view Saturday’s match at the London Stadium as pivotal in their fight against relegation. But the club remain reluctant to make any changes.
The Irons are mulling Moyes’ future at the helm as Sunday’s defeat to Tottenham Hotspur left them in the bottom three. West Ham now sit 18th in the Premier League table and just two points off the bottom. Yet they are also only one point from safety through 23 games.
West Ham’s situation concerns the club’s hierarchy but they also see a shortage of suitable candidates to replace Moyes with. So, the 59-year-old is likely to remain in charge even if a defeat to Nottingham Forest follows on Saturday. It would be their 14th so far this season.
The Hammers are taking injuries into account when considering the Scot’s position after a host of problems this term. But they also invested £160m in the summer transfer window, causing disgruntlement at the club. Yet Irons chiefs are desperate not to have to sack him.
West Ham have doubts on sacking Moyes and naming Benitez as their next manager
West Ham are also willing to retain Moyes as they sense a lack of available managers with doubts about Benitez. The Spaniard has remained out of work since Everton sacked him in January 2022. He spent just six-and-a-half months in charge at Goodison Park last season.
Everton fired the 62-year-old with the club 16th in the Premier League table following five wins to four draws and 10 defeats. They had also only scored 24 goals to 34 conceded over 19 games during his tenure. His final game in charge was also a 2-1 defeat at Norwich City.
West Ham now have doubts about Benitez’s suitability for their situation as they consider new managers who could replace Moyes. While talkSPORT reports that the Madrid native has now expressed his interest in the vacancy at Leeds after the Whites fired Jesse Marsch.
Leeds are still seeking a replacement for Marsch after three games under caretaker coach Michael Skubala. The Whites sit 19th in the table, a point behind West Ham in 18th and a point clear of Southampton in 20th. They are also without any wins in their last 10 games.
Benitez has a prior experience of a relegation fight but he endured relegation
Benitez has a past experience of taking charge of a Premier League team whilst battling to avoid relegation. He took over Newcastle United in March 2016 with the club 19th after 28 games. Yet despite taking 13 points during 10 games, they still fell into the Championship.
Newcastle fell out of the top-flight by two points to Sunderland but secured an immediate return as Championship champions under Benitez. He also then led the Magpies to a 10th-place finish in the Premier League. While Moussa Sissoko hailed what he offered the club.
“We were surprised to see him come to Newcastle because, normally, he is playing every year for the title and Champions League,” Sissoko said, via The Guardian, back in 2016.
“He worked with [Real] Madrid [and] Liverpool, some very good teams. We need to listen to what he says because he is one of the best managers in the world. We need to follow him.”
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
