Co-owner David Sullivan has spoken out to support current manager Slaven Bilic amid speculation that the Croatian’s job may be hanging by a thread, as he said:
“Slaven cares passionately and this defeat will be hurting him as much as anyone. I have no doubts that he is doing everything he can to address the situation and everyone is working together to ensure we turn our season around. Despite what some people have said, there is still a great spirit among the players and everyone is working towards the same objective. We all need to stick together and get behind the team. We are all part of the West Ham United family and in hard times families pull together.”
However, the Telegraph claim that Bilic will be told he must hire former defender Rio Ferdinand as a defensive coach to shore things up at the back, if he is to keep his job. It is a humiliating blow for Bilic, himself a former centre-half, given Ferdinand’s lack of experience.
West Ham are also preparing to write off an extension clause in goalkeeper Adrian’s contract to allow him to join Fenerbahce on a free transfer in the summer, say Talksport. The Spaniard has been dropped by Bilic after a poor start to the campaign and an exit seems increasingly likely.
The 29-year-old has been popular in east London but he could now leave with Bilic already said to be looking for replacements in the transfer market.
Bilic has been dealt another blow by the FA Cup draw, which has put the Hammers up against Manchester City in the third round of the competition at the London Stadium.
The Irons have already been beaten by the Citizens once this season, as a double from Raheem Sterling helped Pep Guardiola’s team to defeat them 3-1 at the Etihad in late August.
Featured Image: All rights reserved by Craig Ballantyne.