OPINION
This season has been a shocking one so far for West Ham United. There’s no doubt that a squad with this quality should be sat 16th in the Premier League table at the moment.
So it’s no surprise that questions have begun to be asked of Hammers manager Manuel Pellegrini. Indeed, there is even talk of who his replacement at the London Stadium could be.
The Daily Mirror reported on Monday night that the east London outfit are monitoring former Liverpool and Newcastle United boss Rafael Benitez’s situation at Chinese club Dalian Yifang.
However, that was speculation that sunk like a lead balloon with beIN SPORTS presenter Richard Keys. Writing on his website on Monday, Keys was adamant that the Spaniard would be a woeful appointment.
“If I were a West Ham fan I’d be shuddering at the prospect of Benitez turning up in east London. If you thought it was bad under Big Sam you ain’t seen nothing yet guys.”
Come on, now. That is simply ridiculous. We all know that Keys has a strange resentment towards Benitez, but the idea that he wouldn’t be a good appointment for the Hammers is absolutely ludicrous.
What has been the Hammers’ biggest problem recently? Defensive frailties. They’ve conceded 20 goals this season, only the bottom three sides have let in more.
What is Benitez known for? Being a magnificent defensive, tactical coach. You can bet that he would get this West Ham back four sorted out. No more Fabian Balbuena over Angelo Ogbonna if he was in charge.
He led a terrible Newcastle squad to 10th and 13th place finishes over the last two seasons, while his CV speaks for itself in terms of the trophies he’s won. Yet Keys thinks West Ham fans should be ‘shuddering’ at the prospect of Benitez being appointed.
The Irons supporters will surely be cracking up at Keys’ comments. They speak to his personal dislike for Benitez, rather than the Spaniard’s suitability to West Ham.
