West Ham fans have reacted to Rafa Benitez being linked to replace Manuel Pellegrini.
The rumour stems from an article by the Mirror where they claim: ‘West Ham will turn to long-term target Rafa Benitez if they lose patience with under-fire Manuel Pellegrini.’
The fan reaction was a mixed one, with some happy that a proven manager could be arriving, whereas others would rather a younger more imaginative leader.
West Ham will consider appointing Rafael Benitez if they decide to dismiss Manuel Pellegrini.
Source: @MailSport pic.twitter.com/PYCmTLYMgV
— West Ham Gossip (@westham_gossip) November 19, 2019
Happy days
— kevthehammersuddell (@kevin_suddell) November 19, 2019
Another lazy appointment
— Chef Manny (@Chef_Haswell) November 19, 2019
Am I reading these replies right? I am pretty sure any Newcastle fans or Liverpool fans be laughing at this, Rafa is a top top coach. I get the China thing but he is far from a bad manager. We’d at least know how to defend under him! For me I’d look at Jose, Cowley or Wagner
— Brad Palmer (@Mr_BA6) November 19, 2019
Some of the fans are nervous about the fact that Benitez is currently managing DL Yifang in China, which is similar to the situation Pellegrini left to join them in the first place.
Exactly the same as Pellegrini he is not motivated both went to China for one last pay check….
— Steve (@Steve_WHU_) November 19, 2019
A previous successful manager from the Premiership who disappears for the megabucks Chinese league on unthinkable wages Let me think urmmm been there, done that and didn’t work!
— Steve Linton (@SteveLinton7) November 19, 2019
One old past his sell by date manager for another, #yeah great!
— West_Ham_Utd (@TJCowboyHammer) November 19, 2019
Urgh.
— I am West Ham Van (@WesthamVan1) November 19, 2019
What Do We Think?
Benitez is a top manager when he is fully motivated and attached to a project at a club, however, when joining the Chinese Super League, it can give the wrong impression to some clubs and fans, with it being seen as a money move or the last gig before retirement. If he were to join West Ham, it appears he would need to convince the fans that he has long-term aims with the east London club and it’s not just a random stab in the dark.