News

West Ham United: Rafa Benitez would be an asset to the club if he were to replace Manuel Pellegrini

|
Image for West Ham United: Rafa Benitez would be an asset to the club if he were to replace Manuel Pellegrini

Manuel Pellegrini is said to be on ‘thin-ice’ as far as his West Ham United position goes and one of the names being banded around as a possible replacement is that of former Liverpool, Chelsea and Newcastle United boss Rafa Benitez. 

The Mirror have claimed the Hammers will turn to the 59-year-old Spaniard if their fortunes under Pellegrini do not improve. Former Sky Sports presenter Richard Keys wrote on his personal blog that West Ham fans should be “shuddering” at the prospect of Benitez coming to East London.

He went on to say that the Champions League winner did “his best to create havoc for his successor” when he departed Newcastle at the end of last season and suggested that money is Benitez’s only motivation.


TIF Tactics – An asset to any club that will have him

Rafael Benitez is one of world football’s most respected managers and would have to be considered an asset to any club. He has great experience and a trophy record that speaks for itself. He guided Valencia to the Spanish title twice, Liverpool to the Champions League in 2005, two Europa League titles (or equivalent) and a domestic cup in Italy.

Regarded by many as an astute tactician, Benitez proved he could operate under difficult circumstances during his time at Newcastle United where he was tasked with keeping a weak squad in the Premier League and despite the football not always being entertaining, to his credit he managed it. In July of this year, the former Valencia boss was appointed as the manager of Chinese club Dalian Yifang prompting some to claim it was all about the money.

The reality is, Benitez has achieved pretty much everything there is to in the European game and perhaps a different challenge was what the doctor ordered once his time at Newcastle had come to an end.

David Gold and David Sullivan at West Ham are, arguably, far more hands-on in terms of their leadership style than Mike Ashley with whom Benitez worked with previously and if the Spaniard was to come to East London that could prove problematic. Rafa is a man who knows what he wants and isn’t afraid to voice his displeasure in the public domain even if it means risking the wrath of his employer.

Share this article