West Ham boss Manuel Pellegrini spoke to reporters after his side’s defeat to Wolves last night, and responded when asked why he brought Albian Ajeti on in place of Sebastien Haller with 10 minutes to go.
The French hitman joined the Hammers from Eintracht Frankfurt for £45 million in the summer. He has struggled to establish himself in east London, however, with just four goals to his name in 15 games so far.
The problem is that Haller was used to playing as part of a two-pronged attack last season. He played alongside Luka Jovic, and was a constant threat for Eintracht Frankfurt.
Since joining West Ham, however, he has been utilised as a lone striker, and he looks to be totally lost.
The real worry for Hammers is fans is why can Pellegrini not see this?
The Chilean’s comments after the game prove that he is still oblivious to the fact that Haller needs a partner up front.
He told Football.London:
“Sebastien worked a lot during the game, the last 15 minutes and Ajeti has good speed and has good attacking instinct.”
With his team trailing 1-0, Pellegrini should surely have kept Haller on and played him alongside Ajeti.
The Chilean continues to make baffling decisions.
But his failure to get the best out of Haller is arguably his biggest defect.
And it could end up costing the West Ham boss his job.
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