According to a report from Claret and Hugh, Manuel Pellegrini and the West Ham board had a frank exchange of views regarding the Chilean’s choice of formation before the Southampton game.
Pellegrini was forced into making a change for the clash with the Saints on Saturday with Felipe Anderson being unavailable through illness.
West Ham started with Michail Antonio and Sebastien Haller up front together. And they looked like a totally different team.
The Englishman and the Frenchman were a constant threat, and if they stay fit, the Hammers could still enjoy a successful campaign, in spite of their recent struggles.
Had Anderson not been unavailable on Saturday, it is unclear as to whether Pellegrini would have mixed things up.
Claret and Hugh claims that there was a frank discussion between the Chilean and the board regarding his choice of formation.
They also suggest that a return to playing one of front could spell ‘deep trouble’ for the 66-year-old.
So it will be interesting to see whether Pellegrini stays with the 4-4-2 formation against Crystal Palace on Boxing Day. In truth, he would be crazy to stray from that setup.
And judging by Claret and Hugh’s report, it seems as though it could end up costing him his job.
Receive a digest of our best West Ham content each week direct to your mailbox
