Manuel Pellegrini is under some pressure for the first time since the early days of his tenure as West Ham United manager.
The Chilean started his Hammers career with four straight defeats.
But he slowly turned things around and West Ham have enjoyed a far more comfortable season than the first two at the London Stadium.
It has been far from perfect.
West Ham’s comfortable but frustrating season
Injuries, a poor attitude against teams outside the top six and as a result rank inconsistency have plagued Pellegrini’s debut campaign.
A dismal 2-0 defeat to Everton last time out was described as ‘the worst of the season’ by the manager.
It has also led to supporters and pundits, like Sky Sports’s Paul Merson, suggesting the players are already on their summer holidays.
Speaking on Sky Sports Merson said West Ham are ‘going nowhere’.
‘They’re already on the beach’
“West Ham are on the beach a bit as they are safe and going nowhere,” Merson told Sky Sports.
“They were very fortunate against Huddersfield when they won 4-3, that papered over the cracks, and then they got found out against Everton and if it wasn’t for (goalkeeper Lukasz) Fabianski it could have been any score.”
Pellegrini must use the last six games to get supporters back on side. West Ham fans are fiercely loyal.
But their patience has been tested in recent seasons.
Pellegrini must use jibes to motivate players and fans
And a section of fans will want to see hope and progress ahead of the looming season ticket renewal deadline.
Merson is effectively calling West Ham’s players lazy and unprofessional.
Pellegrini must use his words to motivate his side to give their all over the next month.
It is unlikely to result in a seventh place finish.
But with games against the likes of Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur looming there is a real chance to restore some pride and put a marker down for next season.
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