According to a report from the Daily Mail, Manuel Pellegrini’s decision to start Pablo Zabaleta ahead of Ryan Fredericks for West Ham’s clash with Newcastle United 10 days ago raised some eyebrows in the boardroom.
The Hammers boss is under real pressure. His side have taken just two points from their last six Premier League games. And they now sit in 16th spot in the table, just five points clear of the drop zone.
West Ham seem to be a team who are totally devoid of ideas, spirit and confidence. And that all stems from Pellegrini.
The Chilean’s tactics and substitutions have been questioned extensively over the past six weeks or so.
His decision to start an ageing Zabaleta against the rapid Allan Saint-Maximin the weekend before last, however, was arguably his biggest blunder of the season.
And the Daily Mail claims that the decision was met with big surprise in the West Ham boardroom.
At least the Chilean realised that he made a mistake, however, and recalled Fredericks for Saturday’s game against Burnley.
This two-week international break will be a huge one for Pellegrini. He must find a way to get his side firing again. Because if this desperate run continues, he could very well be without a job soon.
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