OPINION
Manuel Pellegrini is surely feeling a bit relieved after hearing Darren Bent and Danny Murphy’s remarks on his future at West Ham as both offered him hope.
The former Premier League duo were asked which under-pressure Premier League manager was most likely to still be in their job come Christmas, and both agreed the Hammers boss may not be going anywhere fast.
“I think Pellegrini will,” said Bent on Sky Sports’ The Debate (22:41, Tuesday, November 26th, Sky Sports Premier League).
Murphy added: “Yeah I think he’s the only one with a chance.”
While it’s not the best ringing endorsement Pellegrini could have received, it does show how he likely has time to save his job at West Ham, if it is in danger, as it’s odd to hear two pundits agree so easily.
The Hammers haven’t won any of their last seven games with them being on a downward spiral ever since Oxford United handed them an embarrassing defeat by easily beating them 4-0 in the EFL Cup.
In fact, the Hammers were sat fifth in the league ahead of their loss to Oxford and terrible run of form after beating Manchester United 2-0 at the London Stadium. (Source: BBC Sport)
However given their recent run of results, the London club currently sit 17th and are actually six points off fifth-placed Wolves.
Yet then again seeing as a few bad results saw them go crashing down the table, a few good results could see them go surging back up the league and not only is Pellegrini aware of this, but he knows that based on Murphy as well as Bent’s remarks he may get time for this scenario to develop.
While going on a run of good results is easier said than done, they face Chelsea, Arsenal and Wolves ahead of Christmas day, Pellegrini is surely just relieved he’s isn’t short of time when it comes to saving his job.