Can Manuel Pellegrini turn things around at West Ham?

I have to admit I thought that West Ham appointing veteran boss Manuel Pellegrini was a good move. The Chilean boss is highly experienced and has proven successful in the Premier League in the past.

However, the one reservation I had was that in his previous Premier League job he was managing a club at the right end of the table. Last season West Ham fought relegation for much of the campaign.

A nightmare start to the season

The Hammers made a similar sort of start to last season, which led to the exit of Slaven Bilic and the appointment of David Moyes.

Moyes was always regarded as just a temporary solution to keep the team up. He did a solid if unspectacular job. Pellegrini replaced the Scot in the summer in what seemed like a coup for the Irons.

Unfortunately, for the Hammers, they have endured another nightmare start to a Premier League campaign. They invested a lot of money in the summer overhauling their squad and so far have very little back for their big outlay.

Under Pellegrini, the team from the capital have suffered four straight defeats in the Premier League. With Pellegrini at the helm and the raft of new signings, people were once again talking about the Hammers as a team with the potential to be this season’s surprise package. So far, it has not worked out.

Pellegrini has been a success at all his European clubs

Although Pellegrini has worked at clubs like Manchester City and Real Madrid, the Chilean really made a name for himself at then minnows Villarreal. He took the Yellow Submarine to new heights, challenging at the top of La Liga and playing in the Champions League.

Pellegrini had far few resources at his disposal at the Spanish club than at West Ham. He also did a good job at Malaga. However, the Andalucian’s enjoyed big investment in their squad. He has been relatively successful at every club he has managed in European football. Even during his spell with Real Madrid, Los Blancos accrued a massive points tally only to be bettered by arch-rivals Barcelona.

Pellegrini has proven his credentials as a top-level coach on numerous occasions, which is why his appointment looked like such a good one for the Hammers. He certainly has the coaching ability to turn things around.

However, it is a matter of how long he will be given to change things at the club. Already there are suggestions that Pellegrini’s position may be under threat. However, the club’s owners are reportedly keen to give the Chilean time to sort the team’s issues out.

West Ham’s relegation odds slashed

Due to the Hammers terrible start to the campaign, their odds to suffer relegation have been slashed to 9/4. This is understandable considering the team’s results so far this season.

The Londoners face a potentially difficult September too, with games against Everton, Chelsea and Manchester United. If they struggle to pick up points in those tough encounters, then Pellegrini may well be in trouble.

The international break has seemingly come at a good time for West Ham. They can now attempt to regroup and sort out the team’s problems. There is only one problem with that though, as boss Pellegrini has traveled to Chile to visit his family.

The clubs hierarchy has sanctioned the trip. However, it seems like a bad time to take a trip. The Chilean boss may have been better served by staying and working with the players who are not on international duty.

Who knows the two-week break may help the Hammers in their upcoming top-flight games. However, the Irons need to pick up a victory and quickly otherwise boss Pellegrini will be living on borrowed time in East London.

Can Manuel Pellegrini turn things around at West Ham?