Rafa Benitez might be linked with West Ham but he is enduring a torrid time in China.
Benitez’s Dalian Yifang were humiliated by Tianjin Quanjian earlier today. In the away match in the Chinese Super League, Dalian Yifang lost 5-1. This means Benitez has managed just one win in his last nine matches.
Dalian Yifang were hoping to overturn a rotten run of results in today’s game. But five unanswered goals quickly put an end to those hopes. Dalian Yifang even went down to 10 men but scored a late consolation.
Benitez at West Ham?
Benitez’s dire record in China rumbles on so the West Ham links probably come as a welcome break for him. According to The Guardian, West Ham are considering him if they choose to sack Manuel Pellegrini.
The Hammers are also in awful form and we haven’t won since September. This has led to a number of managers being linked with the job, including Benitez, Eddie Howe, Chris Hughton and Sean Dyche.
But the likelihood is that Pellegrini will keep his job for now. It would cost the board a lot of money to sack Pellegrini and pay his compensation. With Benitez also in the job, this would cost even more.
Benitez is unlikely to land the West Ham job just yet. But judging by Dalian Yifang’s form, he could even get the sack soon. This could push him one step closer to the West Ham gig.
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