Guardian journalist Jacob Steinberg has said that West Ham manager Manuel Pellegrini retains the confidence of the board despite a run of poor form that has seen the Irons slip into the bottom half of the table.
Even though the Chilean’s job is safe, Steinberg did say that the Hammers’ hierarchy are worried about some of the decisions that are being made in terms of signings and tactics:
Manuel Pellegrini still has West Ham’s support after Saturday’s defeat to Newcastle. No danger of him being sacked at the moment. There are concerns over tactics and signings, though #whufc
— Jacob Steinberg (@JacobSteinberg) November 4, 2019
With regards to tactics, one of the most perplexing decisions has been Pablo Zabaleta’s recall to the side ahead of Ryan Fredericks, while Fabian Balbuena’s selection ahead of Angelo Ogbonna has also been the subject of debate.
Some of the summer signings have also been questioned, with Pablo Fornals having failed to shine since his £24m move from Villarreal. The decision to replace Adrian with Roberto as Lukasz Fabianski’s understudy has also proven to be a mistake.
The Spaniard was at fault for two of the goals in West Ham’s 3-2 defeat to Newcastle at the weekend.