Slaven Bilic has struggled to recreate West Ham’s impressive 2015/16 campaign but that should not cost him his job.
West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic
For much of the 2016/17 Premier League season West Ham United boss Slaven Bilic has been named by bookies among the managers most likely to be sacked.
It is true that the Hammers have had some disappointing results, particularly at home, but it could also be a case of Bilic being a victim of his own success.
West Ham’s form under the Croatian in 2015/16 is one of the key reasons why, despite some fans calling for change, sacking the 48-year-old would be a mistake.
Leicester City’s title victory was rightly heralded as the biggest success, but Bilic’s men finishing seventh ahead of Liverpool and Chelsea and with fewer defeats than both Manchester clubs was certainly second.
That affords him more time surely? As does the fact he has battled against two great obstacles out of his control, the first being the move to the London Stadium. Say what you want about the fact footballers should be able to perform anywhere, but the struggles the Hammers have had since leaving the Boleyn Ground and Tottenham Hotspur have had at Wembley shows there’s something in it.
A half empty London Stadium look on as Southampton’s James Ward-Prowse scores their third goal
Secondly the departure of Dimitri Payet was a massive blow. The Frenchman was the standout star last campaign, as shown by his inclusion in the PFA Team of the Year, and despite leaving for Marseille in January he still ranks in the top 10 for most crosses in the Premier League this season.
The East London side may have regressed, but considering the circumstances Bilic certainly deserves another chance.
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