MANUEL PELLEGRINI has been SACKED by West Ham.
The Hammers sit just a point above the relegation zone after a run of just two wins in their last 14 matches.
Manuel Pellegrini has been SACKED by West Ham
A statement on the club website thanked him for the past 18 months.
West Ham co-chairman David Sullivan said: “It is with great disappointment that we’ve had to make this decision. Manuel is a gentleman and it has been a real pleasure to work with someone of his calibre.
“However, it has become clear that that a change is required to get the Club back on track in line with our ambitions this season.
“We felt it was necessary to act now in order to give the new manager as much time as possible to try and achieve that goal.”
West Ham finished in 10th place last season and were looking to challenge for European spots after spending big on the likes of Pablo Fornals and Sebastien Haller – who was brought in for a club record fee.
The Hammers started the season reasonably well, collecting 11 points from their opening six games.
But since beating Manchester United on September 22, they have won just two matches, lost ten – including an embarrassing 4-0 defeat in the Carabao Cup to League One Oxford United.
Sebastian Haller was bought for a club record fee but has scored just five goals in 18 Prem gamesCredit: AFP or licensors
The Chilean, 66, has been under pressure for weeks as results became harder and harder to find.
Bookies have instilled David Moyes – the man who Pellegrini took over from in May 2018 – as the heavy favourite.
Some firms have him as high as 1/4.
Another former boss, Harry Redknapp, is also said to be in the running.
Eddie Howe, Rafa Benitez and Chris Hughton are also linked.
Speaking after the game, but before learning of Pellegrini’s sacking, Declan Rice said things needed to change quickly.
He said: “People were talking about us being top-six contenders and now we’re so far away.
“Fans are coming to the game pretty much not wanting to come. We need to pick up fast.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
