Exclusive: Manuel Pellegrini's first interview as West Ham United manager
WHUFC.com
Manuel Pellegrini is excited and energised by the prospect of returning to the Premier League to manage West Ham United. The experienced Chilean has been a success wherever he has been, winning trophies in four different countries, including the Premier League with Manchester City in 2014, and qualifying for continental competition in all but one of his 12 seasons in European football. Pellegrini, who has signed a three-year contract at London Stadium, arrived in east London on Monday to start work immediately on turning West Ham into one of English football's most exciting teams. On the 64-year-old's agenda are the appointment of his backroom staff, finalising the Club's pre-season plans and identifying and recruiting new players to bolster his squad. With the FIFA World Cup finals kicking-off in Russia next month and a shorter than normal summer transfer window, time is of the essence, but the calm and composed South American is confident the Hammers have time to do good business before the 2018/19 Premier League season gets underway in August.
"We are going to start working today, first of all to prepare a good pre-season which is very important," Pellegrini confirmed. "After that, we will try to finish the squad as soon as we can, but I think we must be patient to find the right players with the amount of money that this club will spend this season. "So, we need to work with every day from now until the start of the season, because the time is a little bit short. But we have time and I am confident that, with hard work, we have enough time to build this squad."
Having previously managed the likes of River Plate, Real Madrid and Manchester City, Pellegrini is well-versed in handling the expectations of large and passionate fanbases. And the man who led both Villarreal and Malaga to the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League also has a reputation for getting the very best out of the players at his disposal. For those reasons, therefore, the Claret and Blue Army can feel confident and optimistic about the future under their new manager. "It's very important to be clear that we are starting a new project. Maybe as soon as you can reach important achievements it's better, but we need time. I think we need to start the new season going game by game and not trying to start with a target, because it's not easy. "Taking it game by game and with the players taking on and practising my ideas, I think we are going to be a good football team."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammer of the Year Arnautovic called-up by Austria
WHUFC.com
Marko Arnautovic has been called-up by Austria for a trio of international friendly matches. The West Ham United forward, who is the most-experienced in Franco Foda's squad with 69 caps, will welcome Russia, Germany and Brazil in the lead-up to the 2018 FIFA World Cup finals. While the Burchen themselves did not qualify, Arnautovic and company will play their part in helping the hosts and two of the pre-tournament favourites prepare for the competition. Russia will visit the Tivoli Stadion in Innsbruck on Wednesday 30 May before Germany are welcomed to the Worthersee-Stadion in Klagenfurt on Saturday 2 May. The game will be shown live in the UK by BT Sport 2, with kick-off at 4.45pm. Finally, five-times World Cup winners Brazil will be the visitors to the Ernst Happel Stadion in Arnautovic's home city of Vienna on Sunday 10 May. With 19 goals, the 29-year-old is also the leading scorer in Foda's squad, with Bayern Munich's David Alaba the only other player to hit double figures with 12. The Hammer of the Year made his debut as long ago as October 2008, when he appeared as a substitute in a World Cup qualifying tie in the Faroe Islands. The No7 has fond memories of facing Russia, having tasted victory over the World Cup hosts in two UEFA Euro 2016 qualifiers. He has faced Germany three times, losing all three, but scoring once and assisting twice in those matches, and tackled Brazil once, but the South Americans ran out 2-1 winners in Vienna in November 2014. Austria missed out on qualification for the World Cup themselves, finishing fourth in a group that also contained qualifiers Serbia, Republic of Ireland and Wales.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Birthday boy Ogbonna recalls his favourite West Ham match
WHUFC.com
On the day he celebrates his 30th birthday, Angelo Ogbonna recalls his standout appearance in the Claret and Blue of West Ham United. Unsurprisingly, the Italy defender has selected the night he made the Boleyn Ground rock under the lights...
The Build Up
Ground, beating the Reds twice in the Premier League, 3-1 and 2-0. Liverpool's final visit to the Hammers' historic home of 112 years came in the Emirates FA Cup, however, in an epic fourth-round replay played on a clear, cold Tuesday night in February 2016. Eleven days previously, the Hammers had held Jurgen Klopp's side to a goalless draw in the initial tie, with goalkeeper Darren Randolph's man of the match performance earning the visitors a second bite of the cherry with a stupendous triple save from Christian Benteke and Joe Allen.
"It was a big occasion," Ogbonna recalled. "We were thinking that when we played the first match, if we could have won away it would have been important for us. so when we drew we were a bit disappointed. But I remember thinking on the night that the opponents looked scared and there was no reason for us to fear them. "Before the game, the atmosphere inside the Boleyn Ground was unbelievable, which made us more comfortable. We said to ourselves, we have to go ahead and win! We knew we could beat Liverpool, because we had fantastic players who could keep the ball, like Dimitri Payet, and when you compared our players, we had a very high level and we knew we could win."
The Match
Slaven Bilic made three changes to his starting XI for the replay, replacing James Tomkins, Alex Song and Victor Moses with Joey O'Brien, Mark Noble and Michail Antonio. The manager also made a tactical switch from the five-man defence he deployed at Anfield to a flat back four, with Ogbonna partnering Winston Reid in the centre. Liverpool boss Klopp picked a team full of youngsters, aside from goalkeeper Simon Mignolet, midfielder Lucas and forwards Benteke and Coutinho, while the likes of Divock Origi, Daniel Sturridge and James Milner were introduced from the bench. Unlike the original tie, the replay was a thriller. "It was a great game," Ogbonna confirmed. "There were many chances and I think the fans loved it!"
Coutinho and Payet both hit the woodwork before Michail Antonio acrobatically volleyed West Ham into the lead on the stroke of half-time. Within three minutes of the restart, Coutinho levelled with a low free-kick, before Klopp introduced Origi and Sturridge on the hour-mark. Both sides traded chance after chance, with Enner Valencia being denied a clear penalty, but there were no further goals in eight added minutes and a further half-hour of extra time. With a penalty shootout looming large, however, Payet delivered a free-kick into the penalty area and Ogbonna rose above a forest of heads to send the ball arcing into Mignolet's top right-hand corner. The capacity Boleyn Ground crowd erupted, while the West Ham players formed a bundle on the pitch.
The last-gasp goal sparked wild celebrations on the Boleyn Ground pitch
"I was lucky because the ball came into that position and I said to myself 'I have to go and get it' and I got it!" the match-winner recalled, smiling as he remembered the moment. "The celebrations were fantastic. In that moment, it was so important for us, not just because of that game but because we had stayed together that season. The most important thing is the group, and it's important to be with your teammates when you achieve something. "For us, we were so happy for that moment and we all wanted to celebrate together, the players, the fans, everyone."
The Reaction
Unsurprisingly, the media were caught up in the euphoria of West Ham's dramatic victory. The Sun's Charlie Wyett described the atmosphere at the final whistle as 'terrific and, frankly, a bit bonkers', and the moment Ogbonna's header hit the back of the Liverpool net as 'spine-tingling'. In The Telegraph, Sam Wallace said the goal was 'the kind of moment that supporters remember for the rest of their lives'. Manager Slaven Bilic was caught up too, claiming in his post-match press conference that 'this will go down in history as one of the greatest nights, and greatest games, for our club'.
Angelo Ogbonna
✔
@OgbonnaOfficial
My graet Men ! ! ! @pedrombaobiang @payetdimitri27 http://ift.tt/1RnMMcc
2:42 AM - Feb 10, 2016
748
Ogbonna himself tweeted two photos, one of him celebrating his goal and a second from the dressing room, where he sat alongside a jubilant Payet and Pedro Obiang. The final word, of course, belongs to the man himself. "I've got a lot of photos and things from that game in my house," he revealed. "It will always be a great memory for me, scoring that beautiful goal in the last season at the Boleyn Ground. "Every time I see that goal, I say to myself 'That moment was unbelievable!'. I think it was really good, for sure my favourite moment in a West Ham shirt."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
'Heartbroken' James Collins to leave West Ham this summer
By Nick Lustig
Last Updated: 23/05/18 6:51pm
SSN
James Collins has confirmed he will be leaving West Ham this summer and says he is "heartbroken" by his exit from the club. The 34-year-old is coming to the end of his current contract and seemingly bid farewell to the Hammers fans following their final day 3-1 win over Everton earlier this month. Sky Sports News understands Collins was informed by the West Ham board over 10 days ago that it was unlikely he would be offered fresh terms to remain, but the final judgement would be made by the club's new manager Manuel Pellegrini. The former Wales international was omitted from West Ham's retained list which was sent to the Premier League on Saturday and he is now set to become the first player to leave since Pellegrini took charge.
As it stands I will be leaving West Ham on June 30th... Heartbroken 💔
A post shared by James Collins (@gingercollins19) on May 23, 2018 at 7:33am PDT
In a post released on his official Instagram page, Collins said: "As it stands I will be leaving West Ham on June 30th... Heartbroken." Collins first joined West Ham from Cardiff in 2005 and spent four years at the club before leaving for Aston Villa. He returned in 2012 following West Ham's promotion back to the Premier League and has since spent the last six seasons with the east London side. Collins made 214 appearances during his two spells with West Ham.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Will Manuel Pellegrini be able to get West Ham playing attacking football?
Last Updated: 22/05/18 5:06pm
SSN
Manuel Pellegrini insists on playing attacking football but will he be able to transform West Ham? Adam Bate take a look at the veteran coach's credentials for the job and the challenges ahead...
"I always play attacking football."
That was the line from Manuel Pellegrini that will have West Ham supporters intrigued about the possibilities next season. The Chilean talked of playing "football that will delight the fans" and that is, of course, precisely what they will want to hear. The 64-year-old coach might not be the freshest of faces but he does come with considerable pedigree.
For instance, Pellegrini has already done something that neither West Ham as a club nor any of their previous managers have achieved - he has lifted the English title, one of only 10 coaches to do so in the Premier League era. His Manchester City side even scored 102 goals en route to winning that trophy during the 2013/14 season, his first in English football.
But if West Ham fans are wondering how transferable that achievement is to life at the London Stadium, it is worth remembering Pellegrini has demonstrated an ability to entertain everywhere he has been. After winning titles in Chile and Argentina, he succeeded in producing a plethora of attacking teams during his nine-year stay in Spain.
"He tries to keep the ball and his teams always play good," Pep Guardiola once said of his predecessor at City. "I would like to be like him. No matter which team he is training, his teams always play in the same way. So his fingerprints, his footprints, his trademark on his teams is always there. It happened at Villarreal, at Malaga and at Real Madrid."
This is what will be of more interest to David Sullivan. It's not necessarily his 96-point season with Real Madrid, a then record for the club as well as another 102-goal campaign. Instead, it is those top-four finishes with Villarreal and Malaga, clubs at which he showcased an ability to take teams to the next level - vastly improving the style of play in the process.
Malaga had finished only a point above the relegation zone prior to Pellegrini's appointment in the summer of 2010 with only Osasuna having a worse pass completion record. But aided by significant investment, he succeeded in transforming their approach. Malaga were among the top-six passers in La Liga for each of his three seasons at the helm.
That is the norm under Pellegrini. Every team that he has coached over the past decade, including, most recently, Hebei China Fortune, have ranked among that top six for passing. As Guardiola suggests, this is a coach with the ability to implement his own style. But that is an ability that will surely be tested to its limits at West Ham given their recent record.
Last season was a struggle. When David Moyes was appointed in November, his focus was on securing the club's Premier League status. Entertainment was not high on the agenda. In truth, but for a brief period in which Dimitri Payet flourished at Upton Park, it has seldom seemed a priority ever since Sam Allardyce took West Ham back up in 2012.
Manuel Pellegrini revealed his wishlist of up to five players as he promised an attacking revolution at West Ham after being unveiled as the new boss. In each of the six seasons since their return to the top flight, the team has ranked among the bottom half of the table for both passing accuracy and possession. Even when they enjoyed relative success during Slaven Bilic's first season in charge, this was achieved through counter-attacking football rather than possession play.
Pellegrini will seek to do it differently. How feasible that is with the players currently at his disposal will be a matter for debate. No team in the Premier League conceded more goals than West Ham last season so there is work to do defensively and the midfield will need to be overhauled too. Keeping Marko Arnautovic and Manuel Lanzini will be important.
In his opening address to supporters, Pellegrini referred to bringing in "maybe another four or five players" but while those additions could well be enough to keep the club away from danger, they will need to be high quality to bring about the proposed style changes. Until there is more investment, former West Ham defender Tony Gale is remaining cautious.
"I will only be happy when West Ham release the funds to buy players because managers are only as good as the players they are working with," Tony Gale tells Sky Sports. "Let's hope this isn't a smokescreen by the West Ham board so that they don't have to buy players. There is a lot of money in those West Ham coffers and they need to spend it.
"They need major surgery to that football team in the region of £75m to £100m. Money attracts top players. I think they have to back up their position with Pellegrini by giving him that money to spend on players. The whole club needs a turnaround not just the manager and hopefully he is someone who has the experience to convince them of that."
Gale, part of the West Ham team that finished third in 1986, knows all about the club's tradition for playing attractive and entertaining football. That is what the West Ham owners are attempting to tap into once again with the appointment of Pellegrini. His record suggests he can deliver. West Ham's own record of late suggests that it will be easier said than done.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Manuel Pellegrini's in-tray: what the new West Ham manager must tackle
Jacob Steinberg
The Guardian
The 2014 Premier League winner with Manchester City has to stiffen the defence, rebalance the squad and handle controversial owners
@JacobSteinberg
Wed 23 May 2018 08.00 BST Last modified on Wed 23 May 2018 08.01 BST
Manuel Pellegrini has said he wants to play football that will delight the fans but nobody will be smiling if West Ham's defending does not improve. David Moyes settled on a 3-4-2-1 system because he did not trust his ponderous side to function properly in a more open formation. Yet it was a stop-gap manoeuvre and West Ham still finished with the Premier League's joint-worst defensive record alongside relegated Stoke, conceding 68 goals. Pellegrini will need to sort out that weakness before thinking about a more expansive style. There have been too many humiliations in the past two seasons.
Adrián is the only senior goalkeeper, there is not enough energy in midfield or cover in defence, Michail Antonio and Andy Carroll are rarely fit, Moyes had nobody to play on the right wing, there is too much reliance on Marko Arnautovic and Manuel Lanzini and the bench was often filled by novices and free transfers last season. Pellegrini has spoken about making five signings but the squad requires more surgery. The question is how much money is available, though, and the Chilean will need to sell players. Sam Byram, Jordan Hugill and Reece Oxford, who is wanted by Borussia Mönchengladbach, could all go. Carroll and Javier Hernández should also be vulnerable.
Help to improve the club's recruitment
West Ham's signings since moving to London Stadium in 2016 have largely been underwhelming and that has led to David Sullivan, the club's influential co-owner, receiving a lot of criticism. However, Sullivan has handed Pellegrini control of transfers and West Ham are looking for a new head of recruitment. Málaga's Mario Husillos and Leicester City's Eduardo Macià are potential appointments and whoever comes in must implement a more focused scouting system. West Ham are crying out for greater youth and intensity.
Assess whether Oxford is worth keeping
The defender spent most of last season on loan at Mönchengladbach and has been a target for Red Bull Leipzig. Oxford enjoyed his time in Germany and was glad to return to the Bundesliga after being briefly recalled by Moyes over Christmas. Yet while Gladbach want to sign the 19-year-old in a £12m deal, Pellegrini should give a chance to a player who announced himself with a fine performance against Arsenal three years ago. Oxford is a versatile talent and although there have been doubts over his attitude, it is debatable whether West Ham should be willing to let one of their academy products leave.
Deal with an unpopular board
West Ham have struggled since leaving Upton Park and the board came in for fierce criticism during the home defeat by Burnley in March. With that in mind, perhaps Pellegrini's experience at Málaga will be relevant. The former Manchester City manager dealt with a difficult owner at La Rosaleda and kept his players onside when money dried up, so he might know how to handle Sullivan. Yet whether Pellegrini's appointment on a deal worth up to £7m a year represents value for money remains to be seen. The 64-year-old's predecessors were undermined in the transfer market. Having made a big statement, though, Sullivan has to back it up.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
David Gold wants West Ham boss Manuel Pellegrini to turn Ireland international Declan Rice into England player
Gold confused the player's nationality while saying what he wants from Pellegrini
Sports Staff
The Independent Sport
West Ham United co-chairman David Gold has suggested that he wants new manager Manuel Pellegrini to develop Republic of Ireland international Declan Rice into an England player. Pellegrini was announced as David Moyes' successor on Tuesday, being made the third best paid manager in the Premier League in the process, on a three year contract. With such a pay-packet, coupled with the Hammers having one of the biggest wage bills in the league, there was some worry that West Ham's owners would be expected too much of their new boss.
Daniel Gabbidon ✔
@Gabbidon35
Ha ha! David Gold hoping Manuel Pellegrini will turn Declan Rice into and ENGLAND player... Already setting unrealistic targets! 😂😂😂
10:51 AM - May 23, 2018 · Malmesbury, England
And it appears as though that is the case, with co-owner Gold telling talkSPORT his dreams for 19-year-old Rice, who made his debut for the club earlier this season. "I'm looking forward to the new manager turning Declan Rice into a strong English defender for the future of the England team," Gold told the radio station. The only problem with that is that Rice, who played 27 times last season, has represented the Republic of Ireland since under-16s and made his senior international debut in March this year, during a 1-0 win to Turkey.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Pellegrini poised to land first signing
KUMb.com
Filed: Wednesday, 23rd May 2018
By: Staff Writer
West Ham are close to completing a deal for Derby County youngster Luke Thomas. Thomas, 19, was named as the Rams' Young Player of the Year last season but is set to complete a move to West Ham two years after joining the Championship club from Cheltenham Town. Having made his first team debut in a 2-0 win over Queens Park Rangers last November, Thomas went on to feature on one further occasion for County in the Championship - in a 3-0 win over Bolton last month. West Ham are understood to have had an offer in the region of £1.2million accepted by Derby, of which approximately £180,000 would go to the Robins due to a contractual clause entitling them to 15 per cent of any fee. Derby have deicded to cash in on Thomas having failed to reach the Championship play-off final; despite beating Fulham 1-0 in the first leg of the semi-final, Fulham's 2-1 win in the return fixture saw the Cottagers proceed to Wembley at County's expense.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
WEST HAM MUST MOVE FOR MAWSONFeatured Image
Date: 23rd May 2018 at 7:00pm
Written by: Dominic Toner
Forever WesTHam
West Ham defender James Collins confirmed on Wednesday he is leaving at the end of the season and the club now need to move swiftly to find a replacement.
The 34-year-old revealed on his official Instagram account that he will be exiting the London Stadium this summer when his contract expires. His exit has not gone down well with supporters after 217 appearances for the Hammers and manager Manuel Pellegrini now needs to look at bringing in a new centre-back option as soon as possible. West Ham have already been linked with a move for Alfie Mawson following Swansea's relegation from the Premier League and Pellegrini should step up the interest immediately. The Guardian reported that both West Ham and Southampton were interested in the enforcer and that he is likely to cost £20million. It is understood his value could have been much higher had an injury not ruined his World Cup hopes with England and if the Swans had stayed in the top flight. West Ham need to try wrap up a deal for Mawson quickly and he would be the sort of marquee addition that would be an excellent start to the Pellegrini era. The no-nonsense centre-back was the standout player for Swansea this season and has the quality to be a real force in the Premier League. He has an excellent range of passing that could see him slot in nicely to the Hammers backline and would be an improvement on their existing options. Mawson's £20million price tag looks an absolute bargain in today's market and the 24-year-old would help bring down the average age too.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
WEST HAM SHOULD SWOOP FOR CANCELOFeatured Image
Date: 23rd May 2018 at 5:37pm
Written by: Dominic Toner
Forever WesTHam
West Ham are set for a busy summer of spending under new manger Manuel Pellegrini and they should get things off with a bang by chasing Valencia defender Joao Cancelo. Co-owner David Gold confirmed that the Hammers are likely to enjoy a record-breaking window of spending this summer and they do need several top-class reinforcements to shoot up the table next season. One area they need to strengthen is at right-back, where they could do with a young option despite an impressive campaign from veteran Pablo Zabaleta. They should consider hijacking reported interest in Cancelo and he could be a brilliant long-term solution at the London Stadium. Italian news outlet Tutto Mercato Web reports that Wolves are keen on signing the 23-year-old, while Inter Milan are unlikely to activate a £30.7million release clause for him after his loan spell with them this season.
West Ham should enter the running for the attack-minded right-back to improve their side, but it's unclear how much Valencia will demand for him. He is a right-sided flyer with brilliant pace and loves to bomb forward in attack, something that should fit Pellegrini's style of play well. The Portugal international has three goals in six caps for his nation and has the potential to develop into a real star. It would be a real sign of intent if West Ham manager to bring in a full-back of his quality, but it remains to be seen if Pellegrini will bring in high-profile player and splash huge amount of cash..
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Why Manuel Pellegrini's work away from Real Madrid and Manchester City is what really counts for West Ham
ES Football Newsletter
When West Ham's new manager Manuel Pellegrini was the coach of Real Madrid, the club signed Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka, Karim Benzema and Xabi Alonso among 10 summer arrivals. The team finished his one season in the job in 2009-10 as runners-up to Barcelona. They lost in the Champions League's last-16 against Lyon. They were beaten 4-0 by Second Division Alcorcon in the Copa del Rey. So Pellegrini was sacked because he shouldn't possibly have failed with such an array of new talent at his disposal. What wasn't included in the justification for his axing was the fact that within weeks of his arrival at the Bernabeu, Real sold the Dutch pair Arjen Robben and Wesley Sneijder against his will. Of course, he will have known beforehand that the club's transfer policy would be run from above the dugout. And that it would largely consist of swapping one set of Galacticos for another. That didn't prevent him from arguing after his departure that for all the wonderful talent he had been given to work with, his squad was unbalanced. Or that the cause was the endless pursuit of new superstars to replace old ones.
"They signed the best players, but not the best players needed in a certain position," he said when later ruminating on his time in charge. "It's no good having an orchestra with the 10 best guitarists if I don't have a pianist."
He will not get to sign Galacticos at West Ham. He will not compete in the Champions League. He won't finish second in the league. But what must be significant for Hammers fans is that Pellegrini has shown such a public understanding of the need for any squad to be balanced. That is because West Ham's squad currently looks like the most flawed and impractical in the Premier League. What will also resonate is Pellegrini's regret that transfer dealings at Real were out of his control.
The fervent suspicion among vast numbers of the supporters in east London is that co-owner David Sullivan has had a disproportionate and malign influence on recruitment.
This, they argue, is the reason for the unevenness of the squad and the failure of expensive signings like Andre Ayew during the first two troubled seasons at the club's new home. Along with Sullivan's fondness for public pronouncements and publicity, they want it to end. It may be just a perception in the stands that Sullivan dabbles too much. But it is just as important now - after forking out £10million a year to land such a high-profile manager - that West Ham prove they really have turned the corner. They can do this by ensuring that the four or five new arrivals he plans make sense, and address the need to improve the squad in every area in a constructive and thoughtful way. The time for what has appeared to be a scattergun, headline- driven approach to the transfer market is over.
Pellegrini certainly plays the kind of exciting, attacking football which can make life inside the soulless London Stadium more bearable for the fans. Players like Marko Arnautovic, Manuel Lanzini and Michail Antonio should relish his appointment. But the dramatic change required across the board at West Ham will not happen unless the strength, measure and quality of the squad is vastly improved. So the news that a top-level new head of recruitment is being sought must also encourage the supporters. The new manager may also be able to bring a sense of calm to a club which has made far too many uproarious column inches in recent times. Some may fear that Pellegrini's low-key demeanour suggests a willingness to accommodate the 'idiosyncrasies' of the boardroom. But he has 30 years' experience as a manager, and that must count most of all at West Ham now. At Manchester City, he restored order and success after the turbulent end to Roberto Mancini's reign. The Hammers could certainly do with a similar act now. However, it is not Pellegrini's title-winning work at City or his spell at Real which is important now. It is the work he did at smaller clubs like Villarreal and Malaga which is more significant for West Ham. True enough, during his five years at Villarreal he had players like Juan Roman Riquleme and Diego Forlan to work with - a notably higher calibre than he has inherited at West Ham. But it was still a fine achievement to reach the Champions League semi-finals in 2005-06. They also finished second in 2007-08 thanks to his ability to inspire attacking players and lift his teams by encouraging them to play on the front foot and express themselves.
At Malaga he finished fourth in his first full season and then - despite a massive financial crisis which forced the sale of Santi Cazorla and Salomon Rondon in 2012 - he reached the last eight of the Champions League in 2013. Now West Ham need to match the standard of players Pellegrini worked with at Villarreal and Malaga if his appointment is to be worthwhile. Many supporters remain suspicious of the board's approach to spending; but the appointment of Pellegrini is certainly a big statement of intent. This can be a new beginning after the turmoil of the first two years away from Upton Park. But that is all it is for now - a beginning. One that must be followed up boldly, expansively and, yes, expensively.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
World Cup 2018: Senegal captain Cheikhou Kouyate says squad is ready to make their country proud
Senegal will make only their second World Cup appearance when they compete in Group H at next month's finals in Russia against Poland, Japan and Colombia
The Independent Sport
Senegal's primary objective at the World Cup is to make their people proud and "write our own story", captain Cheikhou Kouyate told reporters as the squad began training in the beach resort of Saly-Portudal. Senegal will make only their second World Cup appearance when they compete in Group H at next month's finals in Russia against Poland, Japan and Colombia. Their previous appearance in 2002 saw them beat holders France in the opening game and go onto to become only the second African team to reach the quarter-finals. "The World Cup is a competition that takes place every four years and it is not given to everyone to take part," Kouyate said. "We have the chance now to participate and we will prepare well to please the Senegalese people. We want to write our own story. "We are going to play match by match, but the most important thing is to be ready on the day of the game," the West Ham United midfielder added. Senegal's preparations got off to a slow start with just seven players on hand for their first training session at the Diambars academy, some 80-kilometres from the capital Dakar, on Tuesday.
However, they expect a full squad on Thursday, save for Sadio Mane, who plays for Liverpool in the Champions League final against Real Madrid in Kiev on Saturday. "It is our brother who plays and although there are supporters of Real Madrid in our squad, for this final everyone supports Liverpool because we want Sadio to win this trophy," Kouyate added. "We hope he will do it because it will push us to try and win the World Cup."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
WEST HAM RETAIN INTEREST IN FULHAM DUOFeatured Image
Date: 23rd May 2018 at 3:17pm
Written by: Guy Giles
Forever WestHam
West Ham retain a heavy interest in Fulham duo Ryan Fredericks and Tom Cairney after the appointment of Manuel Pellegrini as their new manager, according to the Evening Standard. The newspaper report that confirmation of Pellegrini as their next boss has not tempered the club's hunt for right-back Fredericks and attacking midfielder Cairney. The Standard claim that any potential moves will however depend on the outcome of Saturday's Championship play-off final, with Fulham set to face Aston Villa for a place in the Premier League next season.
Good move for West Ham?
A move for Fredericks makes perfect sense for the Hammers, with the jet-heeled flyer available on a free this summer. The 25-year-old speed demon would bring more dynamism to the right side of defence, which would suit Pellegrini's style of play, and that one looks to be a no-brainer.
Cairney on the other hand is a different matter entirely, with the classy playmaker set to cost the Hammers a relatively large fee this summer. Previous reports suggested the 27-year-old Scotland international would cost around £20million, and there are surely other, less injury-prone players around who would be better options for the club at this point in time.
As the report states, the major issue here will be the result of the play-off final on Saturday. Should Fulham win that, then the likelihood will surely be that Fredericks and Cairney will stay at Craven Cottage. However, should Villa win, then both moves would very much be on the cards, with both players known to have designs on playing in the top-flight.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Jordan Hugill reportedly set for early West Ham exit, move a mistake for all
HITC
Olly Dawes
West Ham United are reportedly set to sell striker Jordan Hugill. West Ham United are set for a host of changes this summer, and The Times report that a host of players are primed for the exit after Manuel Pellegrini's arrival as manager. The Hammers are reportedly set to let Andy Carroll, Reece Burke, Edimilson Fernandes and Sam Byram leave the club this summer as Pellegrini pursues reinforcements, and Jordan Hugill is also on that list. Hugill, 25, only joined West Ham from Preston North End in January, with the Hammers paying £10m to land the centre forward (BBC Sport), but he could already be facing the exit door. A former non-league striker, Hugill hit 30 goals in 114 games for Preston and impressed in the Football League with his work rate and physical attributes, though technically there were always questions over his suitability for the Premier League. Since being snapped up by David Moyes, Hugill has remarkably played just 22 minutes of Premier League action for West Ham, and didn't feature at all in April or May. Now, it seems that Hugill – who is contracted with West Ham until the summer of 2022 – is now set to leave the London Stadium already, in a move which simply hasn't paid dividends for anybody. Hugill has barely featured and may be forced to up sticks again this summer, just months after heading down to London; West Ham may lose money on their January investment after barely using him, whilst Preston missed out on the Championship play-offs and may just feel that they could have got over the line with Hugill still in their squad. A move back to Preston is almost impossible due to the money now involved, but one of the Championship's big spenders may well be keen on Hugill, and it would appear that West Ham are ready to cut short the striker's stay in what has been a disastrous move.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Meet Jose Cabello - Manuel Pellegrini's trusted fitness coach set to join him in London
The new manager has yet to name his backroom staff but he is set to bring his trusted sidekicks with him
By Sam Inkersole West Ham Correspondent
14:00, 23 MAY 2018UPDATED14:09, 23 MAY 2018
New West Ham manager Manuel Pellegrini looks set to bring another trusted lieutenant with him to the capital as he starts to shape his backroom team. The 64-year-old is expected to bring assistant manager Ruben Cousillas to join him as assistant manager at the London Stadium and football.london understands others who have worked with the manager for the last 12 years are set to follow suit. One of those is fitness coach Jose Cabello, who has been with Pellegrini since their days at Malaga. Former fitness coach at the Hammers, Nick Davies, departed the club in the wake of David Moyes leaving east London after a short six-month spell in the capital. Cabello is an important part of Pellegrini's set up and that is not expected to change. Upon taking charge at Manchester City, Pellegrini immediately stressed how important fitness is, saying: "The most important thing at the moment is the fitness and they're working very hard with Jose."
Cabello, 44, is known for his hard-working sessions where the Spaniard likes to consistently simulate playing conditions within his fitness regime at football clubs.
Pellegrini and Cabello had the City players training three times a day when he first rocked up at the Etihad to whip them in to shape. West Ham were very unfit under Slaven Bilic, that improved a lot under Moyes but it's still not likely to be enough for Pellegrini and Cabello. In a sign of what could be to come, when City jetted off for a pre-season tour in 2013, Pellegrini said: "In terms of football, they're just playing small games of six or seven-a-side with one touch, but nothing more." Pellegrini has yet to announce his backroom staff at the Hammers after agreeing his contract at the London Stadium on Monday.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham will not sign Yaya Toure this summer as Manuel Pellegrini targets Fulham duo and younger players
KEN DYER
ES Sport
West Ham will not be signing Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure this summer. The 35-year-old, who is a free agent, had been linked with a move to the club even before Manuel Pellegrini, his former boss at City, was announced as West Ham's new manager. The close links between the pair shortened the odds on the move happening, but it is understood West Ham have no interest in signing Toure. Pellegrini, who has said the club want to sign "four or five players" before the start of next season, is instead keen on attracting younger players with pace to the club. West Ham retain a strong interest in Fulham full-back Ryan Fredericks and midfielder Tom Cairney but the outcome may depend on whether Fulham win promotion against Aston Villa on Saturday. The arrival of Pellegrini also means Javier Hernandez is likely to stay. The striker's opportunities were limited last season, as David Moyes employed just one striker most of the time. Pellegrini has favoured a more attacking style with previous clubs and looks likely to offer Hernandez more chances. One of the Chilean's first appointments is expected to be Ruben Cousillas as assistant manager. Another priority is finalising the appointment of a head of recruitment, with co-owner David Sullivan having promised to take a step back from being in charge of player signings. Favourite for the role is Eduardo Macia, who has been at Leicester since September 2016
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham EXCLUSIVE – 'We will spend more money this summer than in any previous window', says co-chairman David Gold
Listen back to talkSPORT's exclusive interview with West Ham co-chairman David Gold
By talkSPORT - @talkSPORT
Wednesday, May 23, 2018
West Ham co-chairman David Gold has promised fans the club will make another huge statement of intent in the summer transfer window following the appointment of Manuel Pellegrini. Pellegrini was unveiled as the new Hammers manager on Tuesday, with the arrival of a Premier League-winning boss seen as a big step toward the club's goal of competing for European football. There are reports the former Manchester City and Real Madrid boss will get £75million to spend to strengthen his squad, as West Ham look to improve on their 13th-place finish to the Premier League. And, speaking EXCLUSIVELY to talkSPORT host Jim White on Wednesday, Hammers chief Gold confirmed the boss will be given funds. "You can't put a figure on [what Pellegrini has to spend this summer] because you don't know the players who are going to leave, therefore that will add to the kitty, or wont, as it might be," he said. "What I can assure everybody is that we'll probably spend more money in this window than we've spent in any window in the past. "That bodes well for our intent and we must wait and see where it takes us."
Pellegrini has already said he hopes to sign four or five new players this summer, and Gold has revealed the new boss is already hard at work in the transfer market. "He's working on it right now, that's his job, that's why he's been brought in," added the Hammers chief. "He's identified the positions he feels he needs to strengthen and it's up to him now to tell us the players and we'll do everything we can to bring them in."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
F365 Says: Pellegrini needs more than protection money
Date published: Wednesday 23rd May 2018 7:13
You would expect that the appointment of a former Real Madrid manager and Premier League title winner would get West Ham fans' pulses racing. But even David Sullivan appears to have recognised that suspicion rather than anticipation is the prevailing mood at the London Stadium.
"We hope they agree it is an exciting appointment," said Sullivan, somewhat more tentatively than many of his previous boasts. Pellegrini undoubtedly possesses the most impressive CV of the five managers Sullivan and David Gold have appointed, but the owners have certainly been made to pay a premium.
Pellegrini, 64, who since being moved aside by Manchester City has spent the last two years managing Hebei China Fortune in the CSL, reportedly returns to England as one of the Premier League's highest-paid managers.
The Independent suggests it took a £10million-a-year wage packet to tempt the Chilean to East London, while The Sun and The Mirror both report his salary as being closer to £7million. Even taking the lower figure, it puts Pellegrini on a par with Jurgen Klopp and in a higher bracket than Antonio Conte and Mauricio Pochettino.
It is the price Sullivan, Gold and Karren Brady have to pay for running what has apparently become 'the most dysfunctional club in the Premier League'. Rather than being the catalyst for a Champions League push, the London Stadium move has seen the Hammers sink from Europa League qualifiers to relegation candidates amid a series a protests by fans who have long since realised they have been taken for a ride.
Since those protests came to a head in March when the atmosphere at the former Olympic Stadium went from one of frustration straight to poison, the owners have at least offered the impression of contrition. That 3-0 defeat to Burnley and the aggro that ensued could well be the lowest point – the board certainly hope so – but three months on, despite the arrival of the club's highest-paid manager, there remains a gaping, unstable void in the West Ham foundations.
Any manager coming into the club would be smart to seek written assurances over what interference is permissible from above. Since he and Gold took control of the Hammers in 2010, Sullivan has not so much crossed the line but set up camp and moved in his family. Almost literally.
Sullivan is even listed as director of football in the club's accounts and though he denies holding such sway, the evidence suggests he most certainly does. Years after their Premier League rivals saw the benefit of investment in scouting and analytics, both in terms of performance and recruitment, the Hammers have persisted with a far more haphazard approach.
The team was unfit for purpose through the first half of the season while their transfer business has too often reflected the manner in which they conduct it. Their transfer committee consisted of Sullivan, Slaven Bilic and Tony Henry, who between them would rule over players mainly brought to them by agents. Sullivan says Bilic preferred older, proven Premier League players, while he wanted younger talent – "the next Mr Stones, who Everton got for £500,000". The now-departed Henry's preferences are well documented.
Between the hapless trio, there has been no plan, no continuity and no strategy. To David Moyes' credit, he tried to instigate change, despite there being no guarantee over him being around to reap the benefits.
"We've put together some plans," he said in February. "We are going to try to look at it slightly differently. I'm going to be heavily involved in the process, as will be the chairman. I've not seen a process here, so I'm going to try something.
"It's going to come a little bit away from the chairman," he continued. "The chairman is going to try to stand aside a bit from it." Three months later, the chairman stood aside from the door and pushed Moyes through.
Moyes had also identified the need to bridge the gap, or rather offer an added layer of insulation between the manager and the boardroom. "It could be a head of football operations, could be a head of recruitment, could be a director of football."
Sullivan said before Christmas that he was considering such an appointment. "There's one very good one in the Premier League," he told The Guardian in December. "I would seriously think about taking him on in due course and I know he would come because he's approached me."
Whether that man is Eduardo Macia, Leicester's head of recruitment who has been linked with the Hammers, we can only guess. But with Pellegrini targeting "four or five" players this summer, the new manager does not have time to waste while Sullivan clings on to his power.
Pellegrini has worked for an over-zealous boss before in Florentino Perez at Real Madrid. The manager was presented with the finest players – Cristiano Ronaldo, Kaka, Karim Benzema and Xabi Alonso – but they finished his only season at the Bernabeu potless because, as Pellegrini put it: "I didn't have a voice or a vote at Madrid."
"They sign the best players, but not the best players needed in a certain position," he continued. "It's no good having an orchestra with the 10 best guitarists if I don't have a pianist. Real Madrid have the best guitarists, but if I ask them to play the piano they won't be able to do it so well. Perez sold players that I considered important. We didn't win the Champions League because we didn't have a squad properly structured to be able to win it."
Pellegrini will have a say at the London Stadium, but so too in the past have Sullivan's kids. The new manager needs a buffer in place because until a director of football is appointed, he remains too exposed to the circus that has overseen relegation scraps when the publicly stated ambition upon moving home was the top six and "to feel like a big club… not a tinpot club". Pellegrini cannot realistically make inroads on either target until West Ham make an appointment even more crucial than his own.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham to sell four to raise funds, Byram & Fernandes included
By Josh Challies - May 23, 2018 0
Forever WestHam
West Ham have confirmed the appointment of Manuel Pellegrini as their new manager and their focus will now shift towards the transfer market. The Hammers have struggled to excel with additions during recent seasons and will hope that the experienced Chilean boss will lead the club to better fortunes. However, with funds restricted, the club are ready to offload a number of players to raise the figures that Pellegrini has to splash in the market. The Times reports West Ham are prepared to offload four players in the transfer market – Sam Byram, Edimilson Fernandes, Jordan Hugill and Andy Carroll. Byram has managed just 247 minutes of Premier League football for the Hammers since signing from Leeds but Fernandes is perhaps a surprise, given he's still just 22 and is highly-regarded.
Meanwhile, Hugill has barely featured since signing from Preston in January, and was reportedly only signed in case the Hammers were relegated, while Carroll fell out of favour during David Moyes' tenure and has struggled with regular injury issues.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
The 4 West Ham players set to thrive under Manuel Pellegrini's attacking philosophy
The Chilean has a reputation for attacking football and three players should feel the benefit of his management
By Sam Inkersole West Ham Correspondent
08:03, 23 MAY 2018
Manuel Pellegrini is West Ham's new manager in an appointment that has gone down very well indeed with the fans and it should be good news for the players as well. The Chilean has penned a three-year deal worth up to £7m a year to take charge at the London Stadium, taking over from David Moyes who left the club last week. It's straight down to business for 64-year-old, who is expected to be handed a transfer warchest to perform a radical overhaul of a squad that narrowly escaped relegation from the Premier League last season and has struggled over the past two campaigns. There will be incomings and probably some outgoings too, but what about the players likely to stay that could thrive under the new manager?
Manuel Lanzini
Pellegrini has a superb track record with developing and nurturing creative and attacking midfielders and that is something Lanzini should absolutely thrive on.
The Chilean worked wonders with the likes of David Silva at Man City, Isco at Malaga, Samir Nasri at City and Juan Roman Riquelme at Villarreal. Lanzini is the creative force of West Ham and if he plays well, the team plays well. The Argentine had a strong end to the 2017/18 campaign after struggling with injuries.
Discussions over a new contract for Lanzini to bring him in line with the loikes of Michail Antonio, Javier Hernandez and others have yet to get underway but the appointment of his fellow South American could hopefully accelerate those. Pellegrini's tactics like to play the ball through midfield, allowing someone like Lanzini to get a lot of touches of the ball to be creative and do damamge. His assist numbers should rocket under the Chilean.
Michail Antonio
Providing he can get back fit and stay fit, Antonio should be a player to benefit from the appointment of Pellegrini. Antonio is probably the quickest player in the Hammers ranks alongside Arthur Masuaku and the attacking style of the Chilean also relies on pacy wingers to deliver crosses into the box, Jesus Navas at Man City benefited from Pellegrini. With Manuel Lanzini ideally being the creative fulcrum of the team, he can get the ball in the pocket between midfield and defence and look to the wings for his widemen before continuing a run into the box. Pellegrini often plays with a rigid midfield four but they are pressed high up the pitch, not sitting back deep and narrow like we saw the three-man midfield do under David Moyes.
Arthur Masuaku
Same as with Antonio, the quick wide man should flourish under Pellegrini and don't be surprised to him pushed into a left midfield role rather than a left back or left wing-back position. One thing Masuaku will certainly have to work on is his crossing and delivery from wide areas, it's too haphazard. He is one of the most skillful players in the squad, electric with the ball at his feet and has the ability to beat a defender with ease. In a midfield four, Masuaku will be needed to ensure width is always there on the left hand side, we have often seen him hug the touchline under Moyes and will need to do the same with Pellegrini. The prospect of Masuaku improving his delivery with low balls into the box for a waiting poacher is quite tantalising. Speaking of which...
Javier Hernandez
The Mexican striker didn't get much of a look in last season, particularly when Moyes was in charge but he should be handed a new lease of life under Pellegrini.
Much like Lanzini, the appointment of a fellow South American should be ideal for Chicharito, who will no doubt have a chip on his shoulder next season. Pacy wingers who can deliver low into the box with quality should be absolutely ideal for Hernandez, who obviously is at his best in the 18-yard box. Running in behind as well with Lanzini dropping dimes to him in behind the defence is a mouthwatering prospect. Javier Hernandez is world class when he is played to his strengths and Pellegrini's tactics really do suit him down to the ground.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Redknapp: Duo would have been better than new West Ham boss Pellegrini
HITC
Will Butcher
West Ham have appointed Manuel Pellegrini as David Moyes' successor. Former West Ham United manager Harry Redknapp has told BBC Sport, as quoted by the Evening Standard, that he believes the Hammers should have appointed one of two other managers instead of Manuel Pellegrini. Pellegrini, 64, was appointed as Hammers boss on a three-year deal earlier this week, after the club decided not to offer David Moyes a new deal at the London Stadium. Plenty of names were linked with a move to east London, including the likes of Newcastle United boss Rafa Benitez, Shakhtar Donetsk manager Paulo Fonseca and many more. However, the Hammers opted to go with former Manchester City boss Pellegrini, but Redknapp reckons the club should have considered Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe or Burnley gaffer Sean Dyche. "I don't see it as an exciting appointment, I've got to be honest," Redknapp said. "West Ham's a fantastic club, but see if they can poach Eddie Howe or Sean Dyche. "There's some great young managers in the country who, if given the opportunity, could do the job, but they don't get the opportunities."
Dyche excelled at Turf Moor with Burnley this season, pushing himself into contention as manager of the season by guiding the Clarets into seventh place, qualifying for the Europa League. Meanwhile, Howe continues to keep Bournemouth afloat in the Premier League, finishing in a respectable 12th place with 44 points from their 38 top-tier matches. However, the Hammers have opted to go with experience, plucking Pellegrini from Chinese Super League outfit Hebei China Fortune.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Pellegrini to land Cousillas a first West Ham addition
By Josh Challies - May 23, 2018 0
WestHamWorld.co.uk
West Ham are set to enter a new era following the appointment of Manuel Pellegrini on a three-year deal at the London Stadium. The former Manchester City boss has plenty of work ahead of him this summer to rebuild his side and has reportedly decided on his first addition, bringing in someone to join the backroom staff.
The Daily Express states Pellegrini will bring in Ruben Cousillas as his assistant with the Hammers, reuniting with a loyal colleague from his experienced career.
Pellegrini has worked alongside Cousillas at River Plate, Villarreal, Real Madrid and Malaga – and the pair are set to join together again at the London Stadium.
Cousillas will join as Pellegrini's first appointment to the backroom team and others are likely to follow in the coming weeks, while the club will also focus their attention on the transfer market.
The Hammers are reportedly eyeing a new central defender, central midfielder, striker and goalkeeper in the summer window to improve their ranks.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
PELLEGRINI GOALKEEPING CONUNDRUM, COULD BE SOLVED WITH TROTTFeatured Image
Date: 23rd May 2018 at 7:00am
Written by: Laura OLeary
ForeverWestHam
One of the first West Ham conundrums Manuel Pellegrini must solve is the club's goalkeeping issues that surfaced in the latest campaign, and the solution could already be at the club. The former Manchester City manager was confirmed to be David Moyes' successor of the club on Tuesday morning, via the Hammers' official Twitter account, and there's lot of problems for him to fix this summer ahead of the new season. One of these problems is the club's goalkeeping situation as neither Joe Hart or Adrian covered themselves in glory on a regular basis in the last campaign. In fact the pair contributed to the club conceding 68 goals in 38 league games and both should suffer the consequences this season. While Hart isn't set to be at the London Stadium for the next campaign, as he was only on loan for one season from Man City, the veteran goalkeeper will no doubt be punished by finding it difficult to get a new club. Adrian, however, looks like staying around and while he has been impressive in the past, letting 31 goals go flying past him in 22 games last season, proved that the 31-year-old isn't the right solution or a long-term fix. Therefore it seems likely that Pellegrini will dive into the transfer market to sign a new goalkeeper, however he shouldn't be so quick to, as the Hammers have a hidden gem of keeper in the form of Nathan Trott. The 19-year-old, who is contracted to the club until 2020 according to their official site, has never been afforded a first-team opportunity despite his glowing reputation proceeding him. Trott has featured for England's U-20s and is regarded as having a lot of potential, as the shot-stopper is clearly among his country's best for his age. The teenage gem has regularly featured for the Hammers' set-up, playing 21 times for the U-23s in the Premier League 2 in the latest campaign, and it shouldn't be assumed that he might not be ready. The promising talent tweeted, via his personal Twitter account, shortly after the experienced manager was confirmed as the Hammers' new boss with a simply tweet using a fingers crossed emoiji, implying that he perhaps believes he's ready for his side's first-team.
At the very least the young promising goalkeeper is hopeful for a chance and why shouldn't Pellegrini hand him one? The veteran manager has all of pre-season to test the goalkeeper out and he will be pleasantly surprise with what he sees, and it would be a quicker solution to his goalkeeping conundrum if the solution was already at the club. Therefore even though Trott has never previously featured for West Ham's senior team, unleashing the unseen gem, who is hoping for a chance based on his social media post, would swiftly see Pellegrini's goalkeeping issues at the club be no more.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Could Eduardo Macia appointment see Fernando Torres join West Ham?
HITC
Danny Owen
Eduardo Macia brought Fernando Torres to Premier League giants Liverpool from Atletico Madrid and now he is set to work with Pellegrini at West Ham United.
Manuel Pellegrini has signed a three-year deal to become the new West Ham United manager and the Chilean is not waiting around to get his backroom staff in place. Sky Italia reports that his former Malaga midfielder Enzo Maresca is set to be announced as the Hammers' assistant coach, while Football London has stated that Pellegrini wants Eduardo Macia to follow him to the London Stadium in a director of football role. Macia is an experienced talent-spotter who is currently working at Leicester City. But one signing he made during his time with Liverpool is what he is perhaps best known for in England – the £20 million deal for Atletico Madrid star Fernando Torres back in 2007. According to Marca, Macia was responsible for convincing Torres to leave his boyhood club; something many teams before had tried and failed to do. But, 11 years on, what are the chances of Macia making contact with El Nino again? Torres will be a very high-profile free agent this summer with his second spell at Atletico Madrid coming to an end in dream fashion, via a Europa League title and two goals on his farewell appearance against Eibar in La Liga. Clearly, Torres has still got that touch of class, even if the speed and relentless goal-scoring of his Anfield peak have been left in the past. So, even on a free, he would be a real big-name signing for a West Ham side who could do with a striker, particularly with Pellegrini stressing his commitment to attacking football upon his official unveiling. Can Macia work his magic again?
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Report: West Ham to give Pellegrini £75m to spend; Tarkowski wanted
HITC
Jordan Harris
West Ham United are reportedly planning to back new manager Manuel Pellegrini with plenty of funds to spend. According to a report from the Daily Mirror, West Ham are planning to back Manuel Pellegrini with a £75 million transfer kitty this summer, with Burnley defender James Tarkowski one of the men that the new Hammers boss is planning to target during the upcoming window. Pellegrini's appointment as David Moyes' successor was confirmed this week, and the Irons hierarchy appear to be determined to ensure that they find themselves in nothing like the trouble that Moyes eventually led them away from this past season.
The Mirror reports that West Ham are expected to hand Pellegrini £75 million to spend, with the Hammers planning to sell Jordan Hugill this summer, while Michail Antonio and Winston Reid could also depart during the coming months. The Mirror hints that strengthening the centre-back options appears to be an important part of Pellegrini's plans as both Jamaal Lascelles of Newcastle and Tarkowski are on the club's radar after both impressed for their respective sides this past year.
Like many of the Burnley squad, Tarkowski probably went into this past campaign not getting the credit he deserved. But after helping the Clarets secure European football for next season - an achievement that has led to the centre-back making his England debut and earning a place on Gareth Southgate's standby list for the World Cup - it appears that Burnley's rivals are starting to sit up and take notice. He would arguably be a fantastic addition to West Ham's options this summer, but with Burnley securing a massive fee from Everton for Michael Keane last summer, the Hammers should perhaps not expect the Clarets to make it easy for Pellegrini to bag Tarkowski's signature, especially now that Sean Dyche needs to put together a squad that can also manage a Europa League campaign.::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Who is Eduardo Macia? The director of football who could change West Ham with Manuel Pellegrini
The Hammers are reportedly lining up a summer raid for the Leicester City man
By Sam Inkersole West Ham Correspondent
08:53, 23 MAY 2018
West Ham have announced Manuel Pellegrini as their fifth manager in eight years. But there will be more change than just a new manager arriving at the club this summer as Hammers co-owner David Sullivan is keen to appoint a director of football to work alongside the Chilean and help transform the club after two seasons of struggle in the Premier League. The name heavily mentioned with taking of a director of football role to help out Sullivan with the day-to-day running of the club and to have a hand in transfer strategy is Eduardo Macia, who is currently at Leicester City in a recruitment chief role. football.london understands that Pellegrini has indicated to Sullivan that he wants Macia to join him in the capital and that the co-chairman has agreed to pursue the Spaniard and endeavour to bring him to the capital.
Sullivan said earlier this year that he will step back from the transfer side of the operation after failed attempts to bring in William Carvalho and Leander Dendoncker, both moves collapsed in a very public way. Sullivan also fired disgraced former head of recruitment Tony Henry after alleged racist remarks regarding African players back in February. But what do we know about Macia? Here's everything you need to know about the man who, along with Pellegrini, could spark the start of a revolution at West Ham.
Who is he?
Eduardo Macia is a retired footballer who has been the Head of Senior Player Recruitment at Leicester City since September 2016. The Foxes moved for the 43-year-old to strengthen their recruitment department after the exit of Steve Walsh, who joined Everton as director of football in July 2016.
Which clubs has he worked with in the past?
Quite a few. Starting out in La Liga as a scout for Valencia he held a position there for a year before following Rafa Benitez to Liverpool where he was the chief scout until December 2010. Following a spell in England, Macia then became the technical director at Olympiacos and then held a similar position with Serie A outfit Fiorentina. He would have another chief scouting role with Viola before leaving in 2015 and then became the director of football at Real Betis, only to leave a year later for a position with the Foxes.
What's been said about him?
Prior to joining City from Sevilla last summer, Vicente Iborra explained the key role Eduardo Macia played. "Eduardo Macia convinced me. He came to find me with his aides and made me feel important within their project," the midfielder said, as reported by Sport Witness. "He's been at Valencia, Betis, Fiorentina and Benitez's Liverpool, and someone important who knows English football well."
What players has he been credited with for signing?
Do the names Fernando Torres, Javier Mascherano, Dirk Kuyt or Raheem Sterling ring a bell? Well, Macia is said to be responsible for those signings during his time at Liverpool. While at Fiorentina he signed over 20 players including ex-Chelsea winger Juan Cuadrado, Gonzalo Rodriguez, Stefan Savic, Giuseppe Rossi and Alberto Aquilani. Furthermore, he also oversaw the arrivals of talented players such as German Pezzella and Petros at Betis as well as the return of the legendary Joaquin.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Thursday, May 24
Wednesday, May 23
Daily WHUFC News - 23rd may 2018
Pellegrini: I am excited about the West Ham project
WHUFC.com
Manuel Pellegrini has outlined his philosophy to turn West Ham United into an exciting, winning team after being appointed Hammers manager. The Chilean, who has become West Ham's 17th permanent manager on a three-year contract, spoke of his vision for a team which will enthuse the Claret and Blue Army throughout his tenure. Speaking for the first time following his appointment, Pellegrini said he felt wanted by the Hammers and outlined his ambitions for a successful future which he shares with Joint-Chairman David Sullivan and the Club's supporters. "I'm very happy because I return to a league that, for me, and I always say the same thing, is the best league in the world, and especially because I come here to West Ham because every time I spoke with the owner Mister Sullivan, I always had the feeling that he wants me," said the 64-year-old, whose track record throughout a 30-year managerial career is truly outstanding. "I think that West Ham had a difficult season last season and I hope that next season we are going to play football that will delight the fans. I always play attacking football and we must try to reach important targets in the season. "Every time you have a meeting you have feelings about whether it was a good meeting or a bad meeting and I had the meeting with him, just talking about football and talking about West Ham. We agreed on a lot of things he wants for this Club in the way I think a football club must be managed, so we have a lot of common ideas."
Pellegrini has lifted trophies on two difference continents and led Manchester City to the Premier League title in his first season in English football in 2013/14, scoring a record 151 goals across all competitions in the process. Prior to that, he enjoyed a storied playing career in his homeland and led Spanish sides Villarreal and Malaga to the UEFA Champions League knockout stages and managed La Liga giants Real Madrid. After a successful two-year spell in Chinese football, Pellegrini has returned to Europe, where he enjoyed almost unrivalled success during 12 seasons managing some of Spain and England's biggest clubs.
Now, the Santiago-born coach's only focus is on improving West Ham's standing in the Premier League – a competition he labelled the 'best in the world'. "I am excited about this project. My mentality is always to have a winning mentality and I will hope that I can repeat here what I did with all my clubs here in Europe, where I have always arrived in European competition. "I know that this league is very good and it's not easy to do it, but I think that working all together with the owners, the technical staff and the fans, we have an important power and can think about reaching important targets for the season. "I think West Ham has a very good team. I know all of the players and I saw most of the games that they played last season, so I am sure that, with the players we have in this moment in the squad, and bringing maybe another four or five players in, we are going to have a strong team."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Meet 'The Engineer' – Who is West Ham United's new manager?
WHUFC.com
West Ham United have appointed one of the finest managerial minds in Premier League history in Manuel Pellegrini. The 64-year-old led Manchester City to the title in his first season in English football and ended his three-year spell with the Sky Blues with a 61.4% win percentage – the fifth-highest in the competition's 25-year existence. But Pellegrini's outstanding record in the Premier League is just one of the reasons West Ham supporters are so excited about his appointment as the Club's 17th permanent manager. Manuel Luis Pellegrini Ripamonti's football life began 45 years ago in 1973, when he embarked on a one-club playing career in his home city of Santiago with Universidad de Chile – the same institution from which he graduated with a degree in civil engineering in 1979. A centre-back, Pellegrini the player made 451 appearances for La U between 1973 and 1986, winning the Copa Chile in 1979, and was good enough to earn 28 caps for his country.
After hanging up his boots, Pellegrini the coach began life with Universidad before making his name in club management in his homeland in the 1990s, taking charge of Palestino, O'Higgins and Universidad Catolica and winning the Copa Interamericana and Copa Chile with the latter. Pellegrini moved across border to Bolivia to manage LDU Quito, leading Los Azucenas to the Serie A title and the knockout stages of the Copa Libertadores – South America's equivalent of the UEFA Champions League – in 1999, where they were eliminated on penalties by Argentinian giants River Plate. That run brought the talented manager to the attention of the continent's biggest clubs and he would move to Buenos Aires in 2001, first with San Lorenzo and, the following year, River Plate.
In 2004, Pellegrini crossed the Atlantic Ocean to join Spanish side Villarreal, where he took a club which had been in the top flight for just five seasons in their history into Europe in five straight seasons, and reached the UEFA Champions League semi-finals on their very first appearance in the competition in 2005/06.
A club from a city with just 50,000 inhabitants, The Yellow Submarine became known the world over for their bright-coloured shirts and the outstanding team Pellegrini moulded, including the likes of Juan Roman Riquelme, Diego Forlan, Marcos Senna and future West Ham striker Guillermo Franco. In June 2009, Pellegrini was appointed Real Madrid manager, signing Kaka, Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Xabi Alonso in the months which followed. Under the Chilean, Real amassed a then-record 96 points in La Liga. Pellegrini's next challenge saw him take over Malaga, leading the club to a record-high fourth in the table in 2011/12 and the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals in his final season in charge.
Those achievements, among his many others, saw Manchester City move to bring Pellegrini to the Premier League in 2013, and he responded by winning the title in his first season. With the likes of Sergio Aguero, Yaya Toure and Edin Dzeko scoring freely, City netted more than 150 goals in all competitions on their way to winning the Premier League and League Cup. Over the next two seasons, Pellegrini's City finished in the top four and reached the UEFA Champions League knockout stages, adding a second League Cup in 2016. Two years ago, the South American embarked on a new adventure in the Chinese Super League with Hebei China Fortune in the city of Langfang in north eastern China. There, he led a club which was only formed in 2010 to fourth in the table last season.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ten things you probably didn't know about Manuel Pellegrini
WHUFC.com
Manuel Pellegrini has been confirmed as West Ham United's new manager, becoming the 17th permanent boss in the Club's illustrious history. The 64-year-old brings a wealth of experience to London Stadium. Here are ten facts about the Chilean that you may not be aware of:
1) He was a one-club player
A defender during his playing days, Manuel Pellegrini signed for Club Universidad de Chile in 1973, having spent his time as a youth player with Audax Italiano.
Pellegrini would spend his entire playing career with Universidad de Chile, making a total of 451 appearances for the side, scoring seven goals in that period.
Pellegrini says he made the decision to retire in 1986 because a young Ivan Zamorano beat him to the ball in a duel in a Copa Chile contest, although had he known the player Zamorano would become, "I might not have quit so soon".
2) Why Pellegrini is called 'The Engineer'
It's not just a nickname given to the manager because of his preferred style of football. Manuel Pellegrini actually has a degree in Civil Engineering, having graduated with a degree from the Pontifical Catholic University in Chile. Pellegrini has put that degree to good use, too. In 1985, earthquakes in central Chile had damaged a large number of buildings, and Pellegrini put his knowledge to work by helping with the rebuilding.
3) He's a Champions League semi-finalist
Pellegrini made his first move into coaching in Europe in 2004, when he joined Villarreal, and it took him less than two seasons to guide the side to the Champions League semi-finals. The 2005/06 campaign saw the Chilean's side make it to the last four of the European competition, only to lose out to Arsenal by one goal.
In the 2012/13 season Pellegrini also took Malaga to the Champions League quarter-finals, losing out to Borussia Dortmund to a last-minute goal. This achievement means Pellegrini is the only manager to take two different teams to the Champions League quarter-finals, or further, in their debut season in the competition.
4) He's won four league titles in three different countries
Pellegrini's managerial career has seen the Chilean coach in his native country, Ecuador, Argentina, Spain, England and China. He has claimed league titles in three of those nations. The first came in Ecuador, when the 64-year-old guided LDU Quto to the Primera Categoría Serie A in 1999. Next, Pellegrini would find success in Argentina, as the coach led both San Lorenzo and River Plate to victories in the Primera División, winning the league title twice in three years. Most recently, Pellegrini took Manchester City to their second Premier League title, winning the English top flight in the 2013/14 season. Overall, the Chilean has won ten trophies as a manager across his clubs.
5) He was Real Madrid manager when Cristiano Ronaldo was signed
In June 2009, Pellegrini was appointed manager of Spanish giants Real Madrid. With the Chilean at the helm, Madrid went on a recruitment spree that would help the side return to the top of European football. Kaka was brought in from AC Milan, Karim Benzema was signed from Lyon, and Xabi Alonso returned to Spain from Liverpool. The pinnacle of the transfer activity, however, was the signing of Cristiano Ronaldo from Manchester United, for a then-world record transfer fee. The Portuguese superstar has gone on to break numerous records for Real Madrid, winning four of his five Ballon d'Ors with the side while also becoming the club's all-time top goalscorer.
6) Pellegrini set points records with both Real Madrid and Malaga
Pellegrini would spend one year with Real Madrid, missing out on the La Liga title by three points in that only season, but the Chilean's Spanish side set a club points record in that time. In that 2009/10 campaign, Real Madrid collected 96 points, the most the Spanish side had ever achieved up to that point. Pellegrini would repeat the feat in his next job, with Malaga. In his first full season with the team, the manager took the club to fourth-place in La Liga, earning 58 points.
7) The first Chilean manager in Premier League history
Manchester City confirmed Pellegrini's arrival in England in 2013, with the coach taking over from Roberto Mancini at the Premier League side. With the appointment, Pellegrini became the first ever Chilean manager to take charge of a Premier League side, while also being only the fourth coach South America to manage in the division. The other three were Luiz Felipe Scolari, Osvaldo Ardiles and Mauricio Pochettino prior to Pellegrini joining City.
8) The only non-European coach to win the Premier League
On the final day of his first season with Manchester City, Pellegrini's team claimed the Premier League title, securing their second trophy of the campaign. At the time, that result saw Pellegrini became the first coach from outside Europe to lift the top title in the English game. It's a record that still stands, with Portuguese, Italian and Spanish coaches winning the Premier League since
9) Four-time Manager of the Month winner
During his three years with Manchester City, Manuel Pellegrini claimed four Manager of the Month awards. Two came in quick succession for the Chilean, with Pellegrini being awarded the December 2013 and January 2014 awards after his side won eight of their nine league games in the two months.
Another followed in December 2014 for five wins out of six in the Premier League, while the final one came after four wins out of four in the first month of the 2015/16 campaign. Pellegrini is tied with the likes of Carlo Ancelotti and Mauricio Pochettino with four, with only 11 managers in Premier League history claiming more.
10) He has the seventh-best win record in Premier League history
Statistically, only six managers in Premier League history have claimed a higher percentage of wins in their matches than Pellegrini. The new West Ham boss has claimed wins in 61.4% of his 114 matches in charge in the English top flight, and when he departed Manchester City in 2016 his win record sat at the fifth highest ever in the Premier League. Since then, Antonio Conte and Pep Guardiola have achieved slightly better records at Chelsea and Manchester City respectively, but Pellegrini still sits in a more than respectable seventh in the rankings, with only the named duo and Manchester United's Jose Mourinho above him and active in the Premier League.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Pellegrini is #17
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 22nd May 2018
By: Staff Writer
Manuel Pellegrini has been confirmed as the new manager of West Ham United FC. The 64-year-old Chilean, who was last in the Premier League with Manchester City has signed a three-year deal to lead the Hammers into the 2020s. And he was welcomed to West Ham by co-chairman David Sullivan, who told whufc.com: "I am delighted to welcome Manuel Pellegrini to West Ham United. He is one of the world's most respected football coaches and we look forward to working with him.
"It was important that we appointed someone with knowledge and experience of the Premier League, who already has an understanding – not only of the teams and players we face – but of West Ham United and our ambitions. "Manuel brings a reputation for attacking football and getting the best out of his players. We believe he will attract new talent to the London Stadium as well as improving the current squad. "Above all, he is a winner, who knows what it takes to succeed at the highest level and is driven to continue that success. "Manuel is the first West Ham United manager to have a Premier League title on his CV, and we believe that his experience, quality and proven record of taking teams forward quickly will ensure that he is successful here. "We have listened to fans who asked us to be ambitious. We hope they agree it is an exciting appointment. Manuel will shortly announce the names of the new staff he will bring in and he will then get down to shaping the squad he wants. We all wish him the very best of luck."
Pellegrini becomes the club's 17th full-time manager - the 10th since KUMB first went online 21 years ago.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
New home shirt revealed?
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 22nd May 2018
By: Staff Writer
West Ham fans were given a taste of the 2018/19 home kit this morning when new manager Manuel Pellegrini was pictured with what appears to be the club's new replica shirt.
The 64-year-old Chilean was officially unveiled as West Ham United's new manager this morning, having signed a three-year contract with the club. And deliberately intended or otherwise, he gave Hammers fans a cheeky glimpse of what is thought to be the club's new replica home shirt when posing for one stock image - as you can see above. Emblazoned with the nickname 'Irons', the new shirt appears to follow the new Umbro template as seen below with the new Everton shirt. West Ham United's 2018/19 home kit is expected to be unveiled sometime next month.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Pellegrini wants 'delightful' football
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 22nd May 2018
By: Staff Writer
Pele may have brought the beautiful game to the world, but new West Ham boss Manuel Pellegrini wants to entertain Hammers fans with delightful football! Whilst the fayre offered by the Hammers last season could in no way be described as o jogo bonito, the club's new manager wants to bring entertaining football to the masses.
Speaking in his first interview since accepting West Ham's offer, Pellegrini insisted that he wants to bring attacking football to east London - with European qualification an immediate target - adding that he wants to introduce "four or five" new signings during the summer transfer window. "West Ham had a difficult season last season and I hope that next season we are going to play football that will delight the fans," he told the club's website. "I always play attacking football and we must try to reach important targets in the season. "My mentality is always to have a winning mentality and I will hope that I can repeat here what I did with all my clubs here in Europe, where I have always arrived in European competition. "I know that this league is very good and it's not easy to do it, but I think that working together with the owners, the technical staff and the fans, we have an important power and can think about reaching important targets for the season. "I know all of the players and I saw most of the games that they played last season, so I am sure that, with the players we have in this moment in the squad, and bringing maybe another four or five players in, we are going to have a strong team."
Pellegrini also revealed that he was delighted to be returning to England, where he won the Premier League with Manchester City in 2013. "I'm very happy because I return to a league that, for me, is the best league in the world," he added. "And because every time I spoke with Mr Sullivan, I always had the feeling that he wants me."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Manuel Pellegrini needs funds to improve West Ham squad, says Tony Gale
By Sam Johnston
Last Updated: 22/05/18 9:54am
SSN
West Ham need to provide Manuel Pellegrini with a transfer budget big enough to significantly improve the squad if his appointment is to be a success, according to Tony Gale. Manuel Pellegrini's appointment will only be successful if West Ham back it up with investment in their playing squad, according to Tony Gale. The Hammers announced Pellegrini's return to the Premier League on Tuesday morning after the Chilean signed a three-year contract. Pellegrini will become the highest-paid manager in the club's history. It is understood he will receive around £7m a year, although he will be taking a significant pay cut having earned around £16m a year in China. "I'll only be happy when West Ham release the funds to buy players because I think managers are only as good as the players that they're dealing with," Gale said. "I just hope this isn't a smokescreen by the West Ham board to sign a 'profile manager', so that they don't have to buy players.
"Okay, he's going to become the highest paid West Ham manager in history but there's lots of money in the West Ham coffers and they need to spend it as well."
Pellegrini, who won the Premier League with Manchester City in 2013-14, has spent the past two years with Hebei China Fortune. He inherits a side which finished a turbulent Premier League campaign 13th, having flirted with relegation up until the final weeks of the season. Slaven Bilic was dismissed in November with the Hammers in the bottom three, before David Moyes was brought in to steady the ship. Moyes achieved his target of steering the east London club to safety, but the way he did it was not deemed enough for the West Ham board to offer him an extension. Marko Arnautovic and Manuel Lanzini carried much of the attacking load under Moyes and Gale is adamant his former club must hang on to their star performers, as well as adding new faces. "What they've got to do is not sell their best players," Gale said. "The likes of Lanzini and Arnautovic to maybe fund the surgery of the team. They need to add to those good players. Hopefully, the signing of Pellegrini will make sure that those players stay there."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
A BIG WEST HAM WELCOME TO MANUEL PELLEGRINI
By Iain Dale 22 May 2018 at 09:02
WTID
It was announced at 8am that Manuel Pelligrini is our new manager. I cannot believe there is any West Ham fan that won't want to join us all on this site in welcoming him to the club. He's a quality manager with a superb track record. Yes he's proved to be quite an expensive acquisition but if you want quality you have to pay for it. We know he plays the type of football we like and it will be interesting to see who he recruits in the next couple of months.
Announcing the signing on WHUFC.com, Co-chairman David Sullivan said…
"I am delighted to welcome Manuel Pellegrini to West Ham United. He is one of the world's most respected football coaches and we look forward to working with him. It was important that we appointed someone with knowledge and experience of the Premier League, who already has an understanding – not only of the teams and players we face – but of West Ham United and our ambitions. Manuel brings a reputation for attacking football and getting the best out of his players. We believe he will attract new talent to the London Stadium as well as improving the current squad. Above all, he is a winner, who knows what it takes to succeed at the highest level and is driven to continue that success. Manuel is the first West Ham United manager to have a Premier League title on his CV, and we believe that his experience, quality and proven record of taking teams forward quickly will ensure that he is successful here. We have listened to fans who asked us to be ambitious. We hope they agree it is an exciting appointment. Manuel will shortly announce the names of the new staff he will bring in and he will then get down to shaping the squad he wants. We all wish him the very best of luck."
Given some of the managers we have endured in our recent history, this really is a move towards the so-called 'next level'. But let's have a bit of patience. It wll take a bit of time for him to bed in and get the players he wants. If we finish in the top half next season, that would be a result. We cannot expect instant success. So let's get behind our new manager and wish him well.
And it's not often that this is said, but well done to David Sullivan. He's played a blinder here.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
WHO TO KEEP AND WHO TO SELL?
By Tony Hanna 22 May 2018 at 08:00
WTID
I am writing this week's article assuming Manuel Pellegrini will be announced within the next few days as the new manager of West Ham United. If rumours are to be believed the new man will get around a 60m transfer kitty plus any incoming monies from player sales to spend on new arrivals. Some fans have called for a mass clear out within the squad but I doubt very much whether that will happen – at least to the degree some might wish for. Others, like myself, can see the validity of moving on a more manageable number of players and here are my thoughts on which ones we should keep and which ones we should move on. It is all hypothetical so feel free to agree or disagree. When the window shuts prior to the first game of the season I will follow up this article with one that critiques the present views.
Goalkeepers
I would keep Adrian. It will depend on the full transfer kitty available whether there is value in paying 20-30m for a new keeper when there are much greater priorities with regard to strengthening the team. We will definitely have to spend some dosh on at least an understudy unless Pellegrini identifies a good loan or a free transfer move in the market. Despite Hart enjoying some of his best years under Pellegrini at City, it would be a huge surprise if his loan deal at the Hammers was renewed by his old boss. Youngster Trott will inevitably be kept as third choice.
Defenders
Zabaletta still has one year to go on his contract. He is another player who played in Man City's title win under Pellegrini. It makes little sense to sell at this point of time as even if the manager wants to sign a first choice right back, Zab would make a great back up – keep. I doubt any West Ham fan wants the club to sell Rice but there may be quite a few that would move Reid on given his injury record. However, with a lucrative long term contract in his pocket I doubt very much that he is going anywhere, but we did manage to move both Fonte and Ayew to pastures new in the last window so never say never! I would sell – if the opportunity arose. Players who have hamstring problems, especially later in their careers, will spend more time in "physio room" than on the pitch. Antonio, who will feature later in this article is another player who falls into this category. Ogbonna had an excellent season and will be a keep for me. There is a lot of sentiment for James Collins at the moment and quite rightly so. On a small contract with bonuses for appearances, I would – keep. Based on tweets from ex players in the past few days though, confirming Ginge was let go, I doubt he will be in the equation for next season. Cresswell is an interesting one. He has been poor at full back in recent times but can deliver a good cross and free kick. Since moving next to Ogbonna in a back three he has performed much better and he does seem to have built a good understanding with Masuaku. I am on the fence a bit with "Cressy" but I have my suspicions that the new boss may want to play four at the back and on that basis I would – sell. On to Masuaku and before his indiscretion at Wigan he was fast becoming a fan favourite. Arthur had been in most fans top three picks for HOTY at the time. We missed his drive forward for six matches but he is no left back either and if he is to remain a first team regular under Pellegrini it would probably be as a left sided midfielder – keep. Byram comes under the Reid and Antonio banner – sell.
Midfielders
Noble will not be sold but if Pellegrini spends big on two quality midfielders it could relegate Mark to becoming a fringe player. It will be interesting to see how this situation pans out. Kouyate was one of the first names on the team sheet a few seasons ago but since Payet's departure his performances have become inconsistent and erratic. There is no doubt he still has the engine but whether he has the ball control and skills required in a Pellegrini midfield is doubtful. There is still a good fee to be had so – sell. Pellegrini's arrival will almost certainly whet the appetite of fellow South American Lanzini. In an advanced role behind Arnautovic, and when fully fit, it is an exciting combination. Keep. Mario's loan deal is now over and if we can get the player on another loan deal, or buy at around 20-25m I would – buy. Young Fernandes is another who missed much of the season with injury. We did see what a good player he could become in the match at home to Southampton, but there have been too many other games where he has not delivered. He still makes a good squad player – keep. Obiang is another who has had injury problems over the past two seasons. Fit and at his best he is ok, but is he really at the level we need to be if we want to become a top ten team? I doubt it –sell. Antonio is bordering on the midfield or the striker section. I was excited with his arrival from Forest after seeing his rampaging runs, tearing apart Championship defences. We have seen some cameos of the same at West Ham but too often he has been played out of position. Right back or right wing back exposes his defensive weaknesses and whilst he scares the death out of centre backs when he has played as a striker, his finishing and final ball options are often poor. He reminds me a bit of Ayew in that – 'what really is his best position' – and for me it is wide right of an attacking three and I doubt we will ever play that formation. Given he would command a good fee and taking into consideration his hamstring problems –sell. Robert Snodgrass has been on loan at Aston Villa and I would be surprised if West Ham knocked back any acceptable offer considering certain unwise twitter comments that were made public earlier on in the season. Sell.
Forwards This will be interesting! Arnautovic, our top scorer and HOTY is an obvious keep. I doubt too many will disagree. Hugill is one of the strangest signings since Savio. Good judges I know who have actually seen him play more than late substitution roles tell me his control and first touch is to put it mildly, not that good. Perhaps he was a security blanket signing should we have got relegated, I don't know. Whatever we can get for him – sell. Now to the two players who will probably cause the most disagreement between our readers. Andy Carroll. We all know his injury record and we all know how good he can be at his best. The much maligned striker only has one more year of what was initially a very lucrative contract to run. He will be a free agent after this next season and I would suggest any suiter's would have to cough up around 10-15m should they want to buy during this summer window. This really is one I am on the fence with but at a push I would – keep. Hernandez is probably one that will divide opinions even more. Right from day one I was one of the few that doubted he would be a success at West Ham. I wrote the same in an article at the time and even made bets with fellow fans that he would not achieve goal targets. Yet some fans believe he is the best striker we have had in years and it was down to Moyes and Bilic not playing him in the right position or system that saw him have a season he would like to forget. In reality, in today's PL is he ever going to be anything more than a super sub? That is what football is often all about – opinions. My opinion is –sell. I doubt either Carroll or Hernandez will be happy at the thought that they probably won't be automatic starters next season. It was doubted that the latter would stay at the club because of this and he would push for a move but under Pellegrini I think it more likely that AC may be sold and Hernandez be assured of more game time. I watched a youtube clip of Pellegrini the other day and he stated that he believed that there were three things he needed to install in the players minds at clubs he managed. One of those things was to make all players in the squad realise and accept that they all had an important role in the team, even if they weren't being selected. All the players need to believe in a common goal, where everyone feels important. The video is below.
Youngsters Oxford and Burke are ones where I would grab any reasonable fee we can. The former's attitude appears to be a problem and the latter needs to be moved on for the good of his own career in my opinion. Cullen, Haksabanovic, Browne and Quina will most likely be given more time as squad players and it will be interesting to see what lies ahead for Samuelson and Martinez. In my "sell" choices there are only two players who played regularly in the second half of the season, Cresswell and Kouyate and I would imagine we would get around 30m for the pair. Senior players who either spent too much time on the bench or in the physio room could command up to 65m. They were Reid, Obiang, Antonio and Hernandez. Out on loan player Snodgrass may fetch 10m. Fringe players and youngsters in Byram, Hugill, Oxford and Burke could possibly collect 25m. I doubt all those players mentioned would be moved on, but if they were Pellegrini's 60m transfer kitty would be bolstered to around 190m to buy around eight or nine new players. Considering that I would imagine we would also still be looking for a few loan deals and possibly some "frees", I reckon our new manager has got a good platform from which to work from.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham transfer news: Insider reveals one player who will be at the club next season
WEST HAM boss Manuel Pellegrini won't sell Javier Hernandez this summer, according to a club insider.
By JACK WILSON
PUBLISHED: 18:15, Tue, May 22, 2018 | UPDATED: 18:23, Tue, May 22, 2018
Daily Express
West Ham transfer news: Javier Hernandez won't be sold by Manuel Pellegrini. The Hammers completed the £16million signing of Hernandez from German club Bayer Leverkusen last summer, handing him a three-year contract. But it was a season to forget for the Mexican with 12 of his 28 appearances coming from the bench. It's led to questions over his future but those may have been put to bed by respected Twitter in-the-know @ExWHUemployee. Asked whether Hernandez was staying, @ExWHUemployee replied: "Yes apparently he will do as he wants to make him in important player for us." Pellegrini has targeted "four or five" signings to launch a blueprint of attacking football at West Ham. The former Manchester City manager has signed a three-year deal as West Ham boss, succeeding David Moyes at the Hammers' helm. Now the 64-year-old will set to work on dragging West Ham back up the Premier League table, following this season's 13th-place finish. "I think West Ham has a very good team. I know all of the players and I saw most of the games that they played last season," said Pellegrini. "So I am sure that, with the players we have in this moment in the squad, and bringing maybe another four or five players in, we are going to have a strong team. "I am excited about this project. I know that this league is very good and it's not easy to do it, but I think that working all together with the owners, the technical staff and the fans, we have an important power and can think about reaching important targets for the season. "I think that West Ham had a difficult season last season and I hope that next season we are going to play football that will delight the fans. "I always play attacking football and we must try to reach important targets in the season."
Former Manchester United boss Moyes replaced Slaven Bilic in November and led the Hammers away from the relegation zone to a 13th-place Premier League finish. But West Ham's board quickly opted not to retain the Scot's services, and have now installed Pellegrini instead. The Hammers' new Chilean boss led Manchester City to the Premier League title in 2014, with the Citizens blasting a record 151 goals in all competitions that season. Pellegrini believes he shares a common vision for West Ham's future with the club's joint chairman David Sullivan. "Every time I spoke with the owner Mr Sullivan, I always had the feeling that he wants me," Pellegrini told West Ham's official club website. "Every time you have a meeting you have feelings about whether it was a good meeting or a bad meeting and I had the meeting with him, just talking about football and talking about West Ham. "We agreed on a lot of things he wants for this club in the way I think a football club must be managed, so we have a lot of common ideas."
Pellegrini left Chinese Super League club Hebei China Fortune over the weekend and Sullivan has hailed his appointment in east London. "I am delighted to welcome Manuel Pellegrini to West Ham United, he is one of the world's most respected football coaches and we look forward to working with him," said Sullivan in a West Ham statement. "It was important that we appointed someone with knowledge and experience of the Premier League, who already has an understanding - not only of the teams and players we face - but of West Ham United and our ambitions. "Manuel brings a reputation for attacking football and getting the best out of his players. We believe he will attract new talent to the London Stadium as well as improving the current squad. "Manuel is the first West Ham United manager to have a Premier League title on his CV, and we believe that his experience, quality and proven record of taking teams forward quickly will ensure that he is successful here. "We have listened to fans who asked us to be ambitious; we hope they agree it is an exciting appointment."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Why West Ham star Manuel Lanzini should be delighted at Manuel Pellegrini's arrival
The Chilean boss is renowned for developing creative and attacking midfielders - just like Lanzini
Football London
By Sam Inkersole West Ham Correspondent
16:22, 22 MAY 2018UPDATED16:33, 22 MAY 2018
West Ham midfielder Manuel Lanzini should be thrilled at the appointment of Manuel Pellegrini as the new West Ham manager more than any other player as it gives him a chance to really flourish. The Argentine star is currently celebrating his richly-deserved call-up for his national team's World Cup squad for the tournament in Russia this summer but has yet to agree a new contract in east London. Lanzini is under contract in the capital until 2020 but is not on the same pay scale as the likes of Marko Arnautovic, Javier Hernandez or even Andy Carroll. football.london understands that talks between the player and his representatives are likely to be of great priority this summer and throughout the season to try and tie him down long-term to the Hammers. If he needed any encouragement to sit down with the top brass to negotiate a new deal then seeing Manuel Pellegrini on the training ground at Rush Green every day should be the perfect tonic for the 25-year-old. Pellegrini has a great track record with getting the best out of creative, attacking midfielders such as Juan Roman Riquelme at Villarreal, Isco at Malaga and David Silva at Manchester City to name but a few.
With another Argentine in the shape of the mercurial Riquelme when the duo were together at the Yellow Submarine, Pellegrini allowed the midfielder to not track back and thus save his energy for the final third of the pitch where he could do the most damage. Riquelme was allowed a certain leniency off the pitch as well but the player took it a bit too far before a very public fallout in 2007.
Riquleme became the hipsters midfielder back in those days, the Argentine flair coupled with an eye for goal, he topped the assists charts in La Liga in 2006 and bagged 12 goals to boot, he was happy-go-lucky, charming, almost innocent in a way before he got too big for his boots and Pellegrini snapped, banishing him from the team. By that time though, Riquelme was one of the best of the planet.
At Malaga, Pellegrini has Isco under his wing, with the manager saying he has "great affection" for the Spaniard having mentored him through the early stages of his career at Malaga before the big move to Real Madrid arrived for the midfielder.
Pellegrini had rescued Isco from the Valencia reserves, brought him back to his hometown and allowed him to flourish. Back in 2013, Isco said of the Chilean: "He's been my footballing father and I know that he likes me and, for me, of course I would like to continue with him because he's given me all the confidence in the world." Pellegrini had left for the Etihad but Isco went to the Bernabeu instead.
At Malaga though, Isco made an immediate impact and won the prestigious Golden Boy award for the game's most promising young player in 2012. He stepped up further after Santi Cazorla departed for Arsenal, leading Malaga to the last eight of the Champions League and struck 12 goals. At Manchester City, David Silva was viewed as the player to bring the X-Factor the Etihad, with the Spaniard saying in 2014: "It's been really good for me. He's suited me down to the ground. "My style of play is more suited to an attacking style. He's helped me develop as a player. You always want to improve as an individual."
Pelelgrini said that Silva, who arrived in Manchester in 2010 from Valencia, was a "gift" to English football. Pellegrini was the man who allowed Silva to essentially play with unlimited freedom to simply cause havoc wherever he was on the pitch and in a similar way to Riquelme and Isco, also allowed them to diminish some of their defensive responsibilities.
David Moyes lambasted Lanzini after the 4-1 defeat to Manchester City at the London Stadium for shirking defensively, which is not the Argentine's game. While he is going to be allowed to get away with murder under Pellegrini, Lanzini will be able to do more of what he does best - sit in the pocket between the opposition defence and the Hammers midfield and create chances.
If the 24-year-old is allowed to play his natural game, which he should under Pellegrini, it's a tantalising prospect for West Ham fans. They already know "The Jewel" is crucial to the teams success but we may see his game develop even more under "The Engineer" in east London.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham United wanting Phil Foden should encourage Martin Samuelsen to leave
HITC
John Verrall
West Ham United midfielder Martin Samuelsen has now reached an age where he needs to be playing regularly. According to a report in the Daily Mirror, West Ham United are planning to sign Manchester City's Phil Foden and that should tell Martin Samuelsen that he needs to depart. West Ham are reportedly keen on bringing Foden to London Stadium on loan, with Manuel Pellegrini eager to use his past contacts at City. And those transfer plans look like terrible news for Samuelsen's chances of breaking into West Ham's first-team. The Norwegian international has been one of West Ham's more promising performers at youth level in recent times, but his performances at senior level have been questionable. Samuelsen was sent out on loan to Burton Albion last season, and he was unable to hold down a place in their first-team. And if West Ham are now turning to 18-year-old attacking midfielders on loan ahead of him, then the omens do not appear good for Samuelsen back at the London Stadium either. Foden would simply be another obstacle in Samuelsen's pathway to West Ham's starting line-up, and it may be best that the attacking midfielder moves on now, as he has reached the age of 21 and needs to be playing regularly to aid his development.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
How Yaya Toure could spearhead Pellegrini's attacking philosophy at West Ham
HITC
Jamie Watts
Having appointed Manuel Pellegrini at West Ham United, here is why the club should pursue Yaya Toure to usher in a progressive footballing era. West Ham United have today confirmed the appointment of former Manchester City coach Manuel Pellegrini on a three-year deal (Sky Sports News), ushering in, what fans will hope, is a new era of progressive and attacking football at the London Stadium. Chairman David Sullivan has emphasised the ambition to play attacking football and believes the Chilean is the right man to shake things up. First comes new recruitment, and the priority signing is staring the club in the face.
West Ham United
✔
@WestHamUtd
Replying to @WestHamUtd
It's official... https://www.whufc.com/news/articles/2018/may/22-may/manuel-pellegrini-confirmed-west-ham-united-manager#2zZlvKfCJvDEdTXB.99 …
8:06 AM - May 22, 2018
Manuel Pellegrini confirmed as West Ham United manager
West Ham United are delighted to confirm the appointment of Manuel Pellegrini as the Club's new First Team Manager.
whufc.com
4,444
2,641 people are talking about this
Three-time Premier League winner and Manchester City legend Yaya Toure should unquestionably be on the Hammers' wish-list this summer as the marquee signing, with the Ivorian having decided to part ways with his beloved club after eight years. The veteran midfielder may not be the player of 2013 anymore - having scored 20 goals en route to lifting the league title under Pellegrini - but he still possesses elite quality and, placed alongside industrious midfielders like Mark Noble and Cheikhou Kouyate, his creative play and exceptional vision would keep West Ham ticking over and dominating possession in ways they have not seen in recent years. Toure is essentially the perfect player to spearhead a shift in philosophy, representing exactly what Pellegrini expects from his sides and, more so, his experience would assist in the translation of the manager's ideas onto the pitch. The 35-year-old may have been on a staggering £220,000-a-week at the Etihad (via Spotrac), but he surely cannot expect to continue earning that kind of money these days, and especially not in England. The chance to become the main man for West Ham and to be reunited with a beloved manager is surely an incredibly attractive prospect for Toure also.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Arnautovic is proving to be Payet's ideal replacement at West Ham
Alex Caple
Payet was incredibly difficult to replace but Arnautovic can give West Ham United what they never got from the Frenchman. Dimitri Payet lit up West Ham United during his 18-month stay with the club, demonstrating the ability that rarely gets seen outside of England's top six. Payet had carved out a decent reputation for himself in France, but his explosion in the Premier League came out of nowhere. He was, after all, an £11million 28-year-old with roughly a dozen France caps and signed without competition. He was brilliant, exciting and charismatic in his football until it fell away. He may have been the star at West Ham but he did not settle long enough, nor show the right attitude, to have the team built around him properly, robbing the club of an opportunity to get the most from their find. Marko Arnautovic's £20million signing from Stoke City was relatively similar; the Austrian arrived as a 28-year-old with a good but not great reputation and, much like Payet, was known for an attitude that teams could be sure to see both good and bad from. His slow start to the season originally made the switch look like a mistake but his second-half turnaround saw Arnautovic named 'Hammer of the Year' as well as become the first West Ham player to reach 11 Premier League goals in over a decade. He has quickly developed into a player the team can truly rely upon, not just game by game, but long term, too. Arnautovic recently talked about his development over the season, crediting both the fans and former manager David Moyes. "First of all, I want to apologise for the first three months!" he said. "I tried to work hard and give everything and I want to thank my teammates and the fans for everything. Thank you and enjoy your holidays!" Those are the words of someone West Ham can build a team around. He wants to be there, he wants to improve, and he is ready to acknowledge where he went wrong. The Hammers attacker may not quite generate the excitement or wow-factor of Payet, but Arnautovic is giving West Ham something far more important - an opportunity to progress.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Manuel Pellegrini chooses Enzo Maresca as West Ham assistant
HITC
Danny Owen
Former West Brom ace Enzo Maresca is heading back to England with Premier League outfit West Ham United. Two years after being shoved out by Manchester City to make way for Pep Guardiola, Manuel Pellegrini has returned to English football. The 64-year-old has been announced as the successor to David Moyes at the London Stadium, signing a three-year contract worth up to £10 million a year which makes him one of the best paid managers in English football, according to the Evening Standard. And it seems that Pellegrini has already chosen his assistant.
According to Sky Italia, Enzo Maresca will follow the Chilean to the English capital – a man Pellegrini knows very well. The Italian, now 38 years of age, spent the 2011/12 season under Pellegrini at Malaga, scoring nine goals in 19 games as the club qualified for the Champions League for the first time in their history after finishing fourth in La Liga. Maresca also played for Juventus, Fiorentina and Sevilla during a lengthy playing career and, strangely enough, started his professional journey at West Brom back in 1998. The former midfielder worked as an assistant coach at Sevilla recently alongside the now-deaprted Vincenzo Montella. Second coach of Sevilla FC Enzo Maresca (L) abd Head Coach of Sevilla FC Vincenzo Montella looks on during the training session prior to their UEFA Champions League match against Bayern... And obviously Pellegrini saw a sharp tactical mind in Maresca during their time together at Malaga because it seems that he is set to return to England, 18 years after he left West Brom for Juventus.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Simon Jordan suggests West Ham as future destination for Brendan Rodgers
HITC
Subhankar Mondal
West Ham United have just appointed a new manager, but could Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers be at the London club in the future? Arsenal? Tottenham Hotspur? Chelsea? According to former Crystal Palace chairman Simon Jordan, it is West Ham United that would suit former Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers, who is currently in charge of Celtic in the Scottish Premiership. According to a report in The Daily Star in April, Chelsea and Arsenal have been looking at Celtic boss Rodgers. The Times recently asked the former Swansea City boss about a potential move to Tottenham in the future, while rock and roll legend, Sir Rod Stewart, suggested to talkSPORT in February that he would be great for Spurs when manager Mauricio Pochettino leaves. According to former Palace chairman Jordan, it is West Ham that would suit Rodgers.
Jordan said on the Kick Off show on talkSPORT on Monday evening (9:43pm, May 21, 2018) while discussing Rodgers's future: "I think he could suit Arsenal, but I think Brendan's style is probably a little bit samey as Arsene Wenger and not enough of a departure. "I could see Brendan at West Ham. I could see Brendan at West Ham because I think his philosophy of football would appease the fans. His management-style, he would be able to handle Gold and Sullivan and keep them at arm's length. And I think also he has got enough cache to be able to bring players in."
Former Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini has just been appointed as the West Ham manager and Rodgers is not going to leave Celtic anytime soon, but Jordan's comments are quite interesting and intriguing. Leaving Celtic for West Ham would probably be a step down for Rodgers, but it would give him the chance to return to the Premier League. The Hammers are an ambitious club, and the former Liverpool boss could relish the challenge of pushing them into the Premier League's elite. However, for now, Celtic fans should not worry about losing Rodgers, while West Ham supporters should look forward to life under Pellegrini.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham could pull off superb deal signing Lukasz Fabianski
HITC
Jordan Harris
West Ham United are amongst the group of Premier League sides interested in signing Lukasz Fabianski during the summer. Amongst the key issues that Manuel Pellegrini must address in his West Ham squad during the coming weeks is the goalkeeper situation at the London Stadium with Joe Hart returning to Manchester City following a disappointing loan spell and Adrian struggling to prove that he was the kind of number one that the Hammers could rely on. No team in the Premier League conceded more goals than the Irons this past season. And while it would be incredibly unfair to simply blame Hart and Adrian as the defence also let the pair down at times, signing a new number one needs to be right near the top of Pellegrini's list of priorities following his arrival. It appears that one of the names that the Hammers are considering is Swansea City stopper Lukasz Fabianski. The Guardian reported last week that West Ham had joined Newcastle, Watford and Crystal Palace in the race to sign the Poland international who looks set to leave the Liberty Stadium following the club's relegation. The Guardian adds that Swansea are likely to want around £5 million for the 33-year-old who has one year left on his deal with the club. It is perhaps a steep outlay for a player who may be edging towards the twilight of his career and does not have long left on his contract, but it could arguably prove to be a superb piece of business for West Ham if they manage to win the race. Fabianski has been one of Swansea's best players over the last few years and arguably has to be considered one of the best-performing goalkeepers in the Premier League this past year. His reliability and consistency could make him the perfect addition to a West Ham side that has a lot of ability at the back. And with Fabianski perhaps able to carry on playing for a number of years yet, it is difficult to think of many better players that the Hammers could get for £5 million - especially when you consider how much their goalkeeping situation has been an Achilles heel for the club this past year.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Manuel Pellegrini has outlined his philosophy to turn West Ham United into an exciting, winning team after being appointed Hammers manager. The Chilean, who has become West Ham's 17th permanent manager on a three-year contract, spoke of his vision for a team which will enthuse the Claret and Blue Army throughout his tenure. Speaking for the first time following his appointment, Pellegrini said he felt wanted by the Hammers and outlined his ambitions for a successful future which he shares with Joint-Chairman David Sullivan and the Club's supporters. "I'm very happy because I return to a league that, for me, and I always say the same thing, is the best league in the world, and especially because I come here to West Ham because every time I spoke with the owner Mister Sullivan, I always had the feeling that he wants me," said the 64-year-old, whose track record throughout a 30-year managerial career is truly outstanding. "I think that West Ham had a difficult season last season and I hope that next season we are going to play football that will delight the fans. I always play attacking football and we must try to reach important targets in the season. "Every time you have a meeting you have feelings about whether it was a good meeting or a bad meeting and I had the meeting with him, just talking about football and talking about West Ham. We agreed on a lot of things he wants for this Club in the way I think a football club must be managed, so we have a lot of common ideas."
Pellegrini has lifted trophies on two difference continents and led Manchester City to the Premier League title in his first season in English football in 2013/14, scoring a record 151 goals across all competitions in the process. Prior to that, he enjoyed a storied playing career in his homeland and led Spanish sides Villarreal and Malaga to the UEFA Champions League knockout stages and managed La Liga giants Real Madrid. After a successful two-year spell in Chinese football, Pellegrini has returned to Europe, where he enjoyed almost unrivalled success during 12 seasons managing some of Spain and England's biggest clubs.
Now, the Santiago-born coach's only focus is on improving West Ham's standing in the Premier League – a competition he labelled the 'best in the world'. "I am excited about this project. My mentality is always to have a winning mentality and I will hope that I can repeat here what I did with all my clubs here in Europe, where I have always arrived in European competition. "I know that this league is very good and it's not easy to do it, but I think that working all together with the owners, the technical staff and the fans, we have an important power and can think about reaching important targets for the season. "I think West Ham has a very good team. I know all of the players and I saw most of the games that they played last season, so I am sure that, with the players we have in this moment in the squad, and bringing maybe another four or five players in, we are going to have a strong team."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Meet 'The Engineer' – Who is West Ham United's new manager?
WHUFC.com
West Ham United have appointed one of the finest managerial minds in Premier League history in Manuel Pellegrini. The 64-year-old led Manchester City to the title in his first season in English football and ended his three-year spell with the Sky Blues with a 61.4% win percentage – the fifth-highest in the competition's 25-year existence. But Pellegrini's outstanding record in the Premier League is just one of the reasons West Ham supporters are so excited about his appointment as the Club's 17th permanent manager. Manuel Luis Pellegrini Ripamonti's football life began 45 years ago in 1973, when he embarked on a one-club playing career in his home city of Santiago with Universidad de Chile – the same institution from which he graduated with a degree in civil engineering in 1979. A centre-back, Pellegrini the player made 451 appearances for La U between 1973 and 1986, winning the Copa Chile in 1979, and was good enough to earn 28 caps for his country.
After hanging up his boots, Pellegrini the coach began life with Universidad before making his name in club management in his homeland in the 1990s, taking charge of Palestino, O'Higgins and Universidad Catolica and winning the Copa Interamericana and Copa Chile with the latter. Pellegrini moved across border to Bolivia to manage LDU Quito, leading Los Azucenas to the Serie A title and the knockout stages of the Copa Libertadores – South America's equivalent of the UEFA Champions League – in 1999, where they were eliminated on penalties by Argentinian giants River Plate. That run brought the talented manager to the attention of the continent's biggest clubs and he would move to Buenos Aires in 2001, first with San Lorenzo and, the following year, River Plate.
In 2004, Pellegrini crossed the Atlantic Ocean to join Spanish side Villarreal, where he took a club which had been in the top flight for just five seasons in their history into Europe in five straight seasons, and reached the UEFA Champions League semi-finals on their very first appearance in the competition in 2005/06.
A club from a city with just 50,000 inhabitants, The Yellow Submarine became known the world over for their bright-coloured shirts and the outstanding team Pellegrini moulded, including the likes of Juan Roman Riquelme, Diego Forlan, Marcos Senna and future West Ham striker Guillermo Franco. In June 2009, Pellegrini was appointed Real Madrid manager, signing Kaka, Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Xabi Alonso in the months which followed. Under the Chilean, Real amassed a then-record 96 points in La Liga. Pellegrini's next challenge saw him take over Malaga, leading the club to a record-high fourth in the table in 2011/12 and the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals in his final season in charge.
Those achievements, among his many others, saw Manchester City move to bring Pellegrini to the Premier League in 2013, and he responded by winning the title in his first season. With the likes of Sergio Aguero, Yaya Toure and Edin Dzeko scoring freely, City netted more than 150 goals in all competitions on their way to winning the Premier League and League Cup. Over the next two seasons, Pellegrini's City finished in the top four and reached the UEFA Champions League knockout stages, adding a second League Cup in 2016. Two years ago, the South American embarked on a new adventure in the Chinese Super League with Hebei China Fortune in the city of Langfang in north eastern China. There, he led a club which was only formed in 2010 to fourth in the table last season.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ten things you probably didn't know about Manuel Pellegrini
WHUFC.com
Manuel Pellegrini has been confirmed as West Ham United's new manager, becoming the 17th permanent boss in the Club's illustrious history. The 64-year-old brings a wealth of experience to London Stadium. Here are ten facts about the Chilean that you may not be aware of:
1) He was a one-club player
A defender during his playing days, Manuel Pellegrini signed for Club Universidad de Chile in 1973, having spent his time as a youth player with Audax Italiano.
Pellegrini would spend his entire playing career with Universidad de Chile, making a total of 451 appearances for the side, scoring seven goals in that period.
Pellegrini says he made the decision to retire in 1986 because a young Ivan Zamorano beat him to the ball in a duel in a Copa Chile contest, although had he known the player Zamorano would become, "I might not have quit so soon".
2) Why Pellegrini is called 'The Engineer'
It's not just a nickname given to the manager because of his preferred style of football. Manuel Pellegrini actually has a degree in Civil Engineering, having graduated with a degree from the Pontifical Catholic University in Chile. Pellegrini has put that degree to good use, too. In 1985, earthquakes in central Chile had damaged a large number of buildings, and Pellegrini put his knowledge to work by helping with the rebuilding.
3) He's a Champions League semi-finalist
Pellegrini made his first move into coaching in Europe in 2004, when he joined Villarreal, and it took him less than two seasons to guide the side to the Champions League semi-finals. The 2005/06 campaign saw the Chilean's side make it to the last four of the European competition, only to lose out to Arsenal by one goal.
In the 2012/13 season Pellegrini also took Malaga to the Champions League quarter-finals, losing out to Borussia Dortmund to a last-minute goal. This achievement means Pellegrini is the only manager to take two different teams to the Champions League quarter-finals, or further, in their debut season in the competition.
4) He's won four league titles in three different countries
Pellegrini's managerial career has seen the Chilean coach in his native country, Ecuador, Argentina, Spain, England and China. He has claimed league titles in three of those nations. The first came in Ecuador, when the 64-year-old guided LDU Quto to the Primera Categoría Serie A in 1999. Next, Pellegrini would find success in Argentina, as the coach led both San Lorenzo and River Plate to victories in the Primera División, winning the league title twice in three years. Most recently, Pellegrini took Manchester City to their second Premier League title, winning the English top flight in the 2013/14 season. Overall, the Chilean has won ten trophies as a manager across his clubs.
5) He was Real Madrid manager when Cristiano Ronaldo was signed
In June 2009, Pellegrini was appointed manager of Spanish giants Real Madrid. With the Chilean at the helm, Madrid went on a recruitment spree that would help the side return to the top of European football. Kaka was brought in from AC Milan, Karim Benzema was signed from Lyon, and Xabi Alonso returned to Spain from Liverpool. The pinnacle of the transfer activity, however, was the signing of Cristiano Ronaldo from Manchester United, for a then-world record transfer fee. The Portuguese superstar has gone on to break numerous records for Real Madrid, winning four of his five Ballon d'Ors with the side while also becoming the club's all-time top goalscorer.
6) Pellegrini set points records with both Real Madrid and Malaga
Pellegrini would spend one year with Real Madrid, missing out on the La Liga title by three points in that only season, but the Chilean's Spanish side set a club points record in that time. In that 2009/10 campaign, Real Madrid collected 96 points, the most the Spanish side had ever achieved up to that point. Pellegrini would repeat the feat in his next job, with Malaga. In his first full season with the team, the manager took the club to fourth-place in La Liga, earning 58 points.
7) The first Chilean manager in Premier League history
Manchester City confirmed Pellegrini's arrival in England in 2013, with the coach taking over from Roberto Mancini at the Premier League side. With the appointment, Pellegrini became the first ever Chilean manager to take charge of a Premier League side, while also being only the fourth coach South America to manage in the division. The other three were Luiz Felipe Scolari, Osvaldo Ardiles and Mauricio Pochettino prior to Pellegrini joining City.
8) The only non-European coach to win the Premier League
On the final day of his first season with Manchester City, Pellegrini's team claimed the Premier League title, securing their second trophy of the campaign. At the time, that result saw Pellegrini became the first coach from outside Europe to lift the top title in the English game. It's a record that still stands, with Portuguese, Italian and Spanish coaches winning the Premier League since
9) Four-time Manager of the Month winner
During his three years with Manchester City, Manuel Pellegrini claimed four Manager of the Month awards. Two came in quick succession for the Chilean, with Pellegrini being awarded the December 2013 and January 2014 awards after his side won eight of their nine league games in the two months.
Another followed in December 2014 for five wins out of six in the Premier League, while the final one came after four wins out of four in the first month of the 2015/16 campaign. Pellegrini is tied with the likes of Carlo Ancelotti and Mauricio Pochettino with four, with only 11 managers in Premier League history claiming more.
10) He has the seventh-best win record in Premier League history
Statistically, only six managers in Premier League history have claimed a higher percentage of wins in their matches than Pellegrini. The new West Ham boss has claimed wins in 61.4% of his 114 matches in charge in the English top flight, and when he departed Manchester City in 2016 his win record sat at the fifth highest ever in the Premier League. Since then, Antonio Conte and Pep Guardiola have achieved slightly better records at Chelsea and Manchester City respectively, but Pellegrini still sits in a more than respectable seventh in the rankings, with only the named duo and Manchester United's Jose Mourinho above him and active in the Premier League.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Pellegrini is #17
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 22nd May 2018
By: Staff Writer
Manuel Pellegrini has been confirmed as the new manager of West Ham United FC. The 64-year-old Chilean, who was last in the Premier League with Manchester City has signed a three-year deal to lead the Hammers into the 2020s. And he was welcomed to West Ham by co-chairman David Sullivan, who told whufc.com: "I am delighted to welcome Manuel Pellegrini to West Ham United. He is one of the world's most respected football coaches and we look forward to working with him.
"It was important that we appointed someone with knowledge and experience of the Premier League, who already has an understanding – not only of the teams and players we face – but of West Ham United and our ambitions. "Manuel brings a reputation for attacking football and getting the best out of his players. We believe he will attract new talent to the London Stadium as well as improving the current squad. "Above all, he is a winner, who knows what it takes to succeed at the highest level and is driven to continue that success. "Manuel is the first West Ham United manager to have a Premier League title on his CV, and we believe that his experience, quality and proven record of taking teams forward quickly will ensure that he is successful here. "We have listened to fans who asked us to be ambitious. We hope they agree it is an exciting appointment. Manuel will shortly announce the names of the new staff he will bring in and he will then get down to shaping the squad he wants. We all wish him the very best of luck."
Pellegrini becomes the club's 17th full-time manager - the 10th since KUMB first went online 21 years ago.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
New home shirt revealed?
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 22nd May 2018
By: Staff Writer
West Ham fans were given a taste of the 2018/19 home kit this morning when new manager Manuel Pellegrini was pictured with what appears to be the club's new replica shirt.
The 64-year-old Chilean was officially unveiled as West Ham United's new manager this morning, having signed a three-year contract with the club. And deliberately intended or otherwise, he gave Hammers fans a cheeky glimpse of what is thought to be the club's new replica home shirt when posing for one stock image - as you can see above. Emblazoned with the nickname 'Irons', the new shirt appears to follow the new Umbro template as seen below with the new Everton shirt. West Ham United's 2018/19 home kit is expected to be unveiled sometime next month.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Pellegrini wants 'delightful' football
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 22nd May 2018
By: Staff Writer
Pele may have brought the beautiful game to the world, but new West Ham boss Manuel Pellegrini wants to entertain Hammers fans with delightful football! Whilst the fayre offered by the Hammers last season could in no way be described as o jogo bonito, the club's new manager wants to bring entertaining football to the masses.
Speaking in his first interview since accepting West Ham's offer, Pellegrini insisted that he wants to bring attacking football to east London - with European qualification an immediate target - adding that he wants to introduce "four or five" new signings during the summer transfer window. "West Ham had a difficult season last season and I hope that next season we are going to play football that will delight the fans," he told the club's website. "I always play attacking football and we must try to reach important targets in the season. "My mentality is always to have a winning mentality and I will hope that I can repeat here what I did with all my clubs here in Europe, where I have always arrived in European competition. "I know that this league is very good and it's not easy to do it, but I think that working together with the owners, the technical staff and the fans, we have an important power and can think about reaching important targets for the season. "I know all of the players and I saw most of the games that they played last season, so I am sure that, with the players we have in this moment in the squad, and bringing maybe another four or five players in, we are going to have a strong team."
Pellegrini also revealed that he was delighted to be returning to England, where he won the Premier League with Manchester City in 2013. "I'm very happy because I return to a league that, for me, is the best league in the world," he added. "And because every time I spoke with Mr Sullivan, I always had the feeling that he wants me."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Manuel Pellegrini needs funds to improve West Ham squad, says Tony Gale
By Sam Johnston
Last Updated: 22/05/18 9:54am
SSN
West Ham need to provide Manuel Pellegrini with a transfer budget big enough to significantly improve the squad if his appointment is to be a success, according to Tony Gale. Manuel Pellegrini's appointment will only be successful if West Ham back it up with investment in their playing squad, according to Tony Gale. The Hammers announced Pellegrini's return to the Premier League on Tuesday morning after the Chilean signed a three-year contract. Pellegrini will become the highest-paid manager in the club's history. It is understood he will receive around £7m a year, although he will be taking a significant pay cut having earned around £16m a year in China. "I'll only be happy when West Ham release the funds to buy players because I think managers are only as good as the players that they're dealing with," Gale said. "I just hope this isn't a smokescreen by the West Ham board to sign a 'profile manager', so that they don't have to buy players.
"Okay, he's going to become the highest paid West Ham manager in history but there's lots of money in the West Ham coffers and they need to spend it as well."
Pellegrini, who won the Premier League with Manchester City in 2013-14, has spent the past two years with Hebei China Fortune. He inherits a side which finished a turbulent Premier League campaign 13th, having flirted with relegation up until the final weeks of the season. Slaven Bilic was dismissed in November with the Hammers in the bottom three, before David Moyes was brought in to steady the ship. Moyes achieved his target of steering the east London club to safety, but the way he did it was not deemed enough for the West Ham board to offer him an extension. Marko Arnautovic and Manuel Lanzini carried much of the attacking load under Moyes and Gale is adamant his former club must hang on to their star performers, as well as adding new faces. "What they've got to do is not sell their best players," Gale said. "The likes of Lanzini and Arnautovic to maybe fund the surgery of the team. They need to add to those good players. Hopefully, the signing of Pellegrini will make sure that those players stay there."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
A BIG WEST HAM WELCOME TO MANUEL PELLEGRINI
By Iain Dale 22 May 2018 at 09:02
WTID
It was announced at 8am that Manuel Pelligrini is our new manager. I cannot believe there is any West Ham fan that won't want to join us all on this site in welcoming him to the club. He's a quality manager with a superb track record. Yes he's proved to be quite an expensive acquisition but if you want quality you have to pay for it. We know he plays the type of football we like and it will be interesting to see who he recruits in the next couple of months.
Announcing the signing on WHUFC.com, Co-chairman David Sullivan said…
"I am delighted to welcome Manuel Pellegrini to West Ham United. He is one of the world's most respected football coaches and we look forward to working with him. It was important that we appointed someone with knowledge and experience of the Premier League, who already has an understanding – not only of the teams and players we face – but of West Ham United and our ambitions. Manuel brings a reputation for attacking football and getting the best out of his players. We believe he will attract new talent to the London Stadium as well as improving the current squad. Above all, he is a winner, who knows what it takes to succeed at the highest level and is driven to continue that success. Manuel is the first West Ham United manager to have a Premier League title on his CV, and we believe that his experience, quality and proven record of taking teams forward quickly will ensure that he is successful here. We have listened to fans who asked us to be ambitious. We hope they agree it is an exciting appointment. Manuel will shortly announce the names of the new staff he will bring in and he will then get down to shaping the squad he wants. We all wish him the very best of luck."
Given some of the managers we have endured in our recent history, this really is a move towards the so-called 'next level'. But let's have a bit of patience. It wll take a bit of time for him to bed in and get the players he wants. If we finish in the top half next season, that would be a result. We cannot expect instant success. So let's get behind our new manager and wish him well.
And it's not often that this is said, but well done to David Sullivan. He's played a blinder here.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
WHO TO KEEP AND WHO TO SELL?
By Tony Hanna 22 May 2018 at 08:00
WTID
I am writing this week's article assuming Manuel Pellegrini will be announced within the next few days as the new manager of West Ham United. If rumours are to be believed the new man will get around a 60m transfer kitty plus any incoming monies from player sales to spend on new arrivals. Some fans have called for a mass clear out within the squad but I doubt very much whether that will happen – at least to the degree some might wish for. Others, like myself, can see the validity of moving on a more manageable number of players and here are my thoughts on which ones we should keep and which ones we should move on. It is all hypothetical so feel free to agree or disagree. When the window shuts prior to the first game of the season I will follow up this article with one that critiques the present views.
Goalkeepers
I would keep Adrian. It will depend on the full transfer kitty available whether there is value in paying 20-30m for a new keeper when there are much greater priorities with regard to strengthening the team. We will definitely have to spend some dosh on at least an understudy unless Pellegrini identifies a good loan or a free transfer move in the market. Despite Hart enjoying some of his best years under Pellegrini at City, it would be a huge surprise if his loan deal at the Hammers was renewed by his old boss. Youngster Trott will inevitably be kept as third choice.
Defenders
Zabaletta still has one year to go on his contract. He is another player who played in Man City's title win under Pellegrini. It makes little sense to sell at this point of time as even if the manager wants to sign a first choice right back, Zab would make a great back up – keep. I doubt any West Ham fan wants the club to sell Rice but there may be quite a few that would move Reid on given his injury record. However, with a lucrative long term contract in his pocket I doubt very much that he is going anywhere, but we did manage to move both Fonte and Ayew to pastures new in the last window so never say never! I would sell – if the opportunity arose. Players who have hamstring problems, especially later in their careers, will spend more time in "physio room" than on the pitch. Antonio, who will feature later in this article is another player who falls into this category. Ogbonna had an excellent season and will be a keep for me. There is a lot of sentiment for James Collins at the moment and quite rightly so. On a small contract with bonuses for appearances, I would – keep. Based on tweets from ex players in the past few days though, confirming Ginge was let go, I doubt he will be in the equation for next season. Cresswell is an interesting one. He has been poor at full back in recent times but can deliver a good cross and free kick. Since moving next to Ogbonna in a back three he has performed much better and he does seem to have built a good understanding with Masuaku. I am on the fence a bit with "Cressy" but I have my suspicions that the new boss may want to play four at the back and on that basis I would – sell. On to Masuaku and before his indiscretion at Wigan he was fast becoming a fan favourite. Arthur had been in most fans top three picks for HOTY at the time. We missed his drive forward for six matches but he is no left back either and if he is to remain a first team regular under Pellegrini it would probably be as a left sided midfielder – keep. Byram comes under the Reid and Antonio banner – sell.
Midfielders
Noble will not be sold but if Pellegrini spends big on two quality midfielders it could relegate Mark to becoming a fringe player. It will be interesting to see how this situation pans out. Kouyate was one of the first names on the team sheet a few seasons ago but since Payet's departure his performances have become inconsistent and erratic. There is no doubt he still has the engine but whether he has the ball control and skills required in a Pellegrini midfield is doubtful. There is still a good fee to be had so – sell. Pellegrini's arrival will almost certainly whet the appetite of fellow South American Lanzini. In an advanced role behind Arnautovic, and when fully fit, it is an exciting combination. Keep. Mario's loan deal is now over and if we can get the player on another loan deal, or buy at around 20-25m I would – buy. Young Fernandes is another who missed much of the season with injury. We did see what a good player he could become in the match at home to Southampton, but there have been too many other games where he has not delivered. He still makes a good squad player – keep. Obiang is another who has had injury problems over the past two seasons. Fit and at his best he is ok, but is he really at the level we need to be if we want to become a top ten team? I doubt it –sell. Antonio is bordering on the midfield or the striker section. I was excited with his arrival from Forest after seeing his rampaging runs, tearing apart Championship defences. We have seen some cameos of the same at West Ham but too often he has been played out of position. Right back or right wing back exposes his defensive weaknesses and whilst he scares the death out of centre backs when he has played as a striker, his finishing and final ball options are often poor. He reminds me a bit of Ayew in that – 'what really is his best position' – and for me it is wide right of an attacking three and I doubt we will ever play that formation. Given he would command a good fee and taking into consideration his hamstring problems –sell. Robert Snodgrass has been on loan at Aston Villa and I would be surprised if West Ham knocked back any acceptable offer considering certain unwise twitter comments that were made public earlier on in the season. Sell.
Forwards This will be interesting! Arnautovic, our top scorer and HOTY is an obvious keep. I doubt too many will disagree. Hugill is one of the strangest signings since Savio. Good judges I know who have actually seen him play more than late substitution roles tell me his control and first touch is to put it mildly, not that good. Perhaps he was a security blanket signing should we have got relegated, I don't know. Whatever we can get for him – sell. Now to the two players who will probably cause the most disagreement between our readers. Andy Carroll. We all know his injury record and we all know how good he can be at his best. The much maligned striker only has one more year of what was initially a very lucrative contract to run. He will be a free agent after this next season and I would suggest any suiter's would have to cough up around 10-15m should they want to buy during this summer window. This really is one I am on the fence with but at a push I would – keep. Hernandez is probably one that will divide opinions even more. Right from day one I was one of the few that doubted he would be a success at West Ham. I wrote the same in an article at the time and even made bets with fellow fans that he would not achieve goal targets. Yet some fans believe he is the best striker we have had in years and it was down to Moyes and Bilic not playing him in the right position or system that saw him have a season he would like to forget. In reality, in today's PL is he ever going to be anything more than a super sub? That is what football is often all about – opinions. My opinion is –sell. I doubt either Carroll or Hernandez will be happy at the thought that they probably won't be automatic starters next season. It was doubted that the latter would stay at the club because of this and he would push for a move but under Pellegrini I think it more likely that AC may be sold and Hernandez be assured of more game time. I watched a youtube clip of Pellegrini the other day and he stated that he believed that there were three things he needed to install in the players minds at clubs he managed. One of those things was to make all players in the squad realise and accept that they all had an important role in the team, even if they weren't being selected. All the players need to believe in a common goal, where everyone feels important. The video is below.
Youngsters Oxford and Burke are ones where I would grab any reasonable fee we can. The former's attitude appears to be a problem and the latter needs to be moved on for the good of his own career in my opinion. Cullen, Haksabanovic, Browne and Quina will most likely be given more time as squad players and it will be interesting to see what lies ahead for Samuelson and Martinez. In my "sell" choices there are only two players who played regularly in the second half of the season, Cresswell and Kouyate and I would imagine we would get around 30m for the pair. Senior players who either spent too much time on the bench or in the physio room could command up to 65m. They were Reid, Obiang, Antonio and Hernandez. Out on loan player Snodgrass may fetch 10m. Fringe players and youngsters in Byram, Hugill, Oxford and Burke could possibly collect 25m. I doubt all those players mentioned would be moved on, but if they were Pellegrini's 60m transfer kitty would be bolstered to around 190m to buy around eight or nine new players. Considering that I would imagine we would also still be looking for a few loan deals and possibly some "frees", I reckon our new manager has got a good platform from which to work from.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham transfer news: Insider reveals one player who will be at the club next season
WEST HAM boss Manuel Pellegrini won't sell Javier Hernandez this summer, according to a club insider.
By JACK WILSON
PUBLISHED: 18:15, Tue, May 22, 2018 | UPDATED: 18:23, Tue, May 22, 2018
Daily Express
West Ham transfer news: Javier Hernandez won't be sold by Manuel Pellegrini. The Hammers completed the £16million signing of Hernandez from German club Bayer Leverkusen last summer, handing him a three-year contract. But it was a season to forget for the Mexican with 12 of his 28 appearances coming from the bench. It's led to questions over his future but those may have been put to bed by respected Twitter in-the-know @ExWHUemployee. Asked whether Hernandez was staying, @ExWHUemployee replied: "Yes apparently he will do as he wants to make him in important player for us." Pellegrini has targeted "four or five" signings to launch a blueprint of attacking football at West Ham. The former Manchester City manager has signed a three-year deal as West Ham boss, succeeding David Moyes at the Hammers' helm. Now the 64-year-old will set to work on dragging West Ham back up the Premier League table, following this season's 13th-place finish. "I think West Ham has a very good team. I know all of the players and I saw most of the games that they played last season," said Pellegrini. "So I am sure that, with the players we have in this moment in the squad, and bringing maybe another four or five players in, we are going to have a strong team. "I am excited about this project. I know that this league is very good and it's not easy to do it, but I think that working all together with the owners, the technical staff and the fans, we have an important power and can think about reaching important targets for the season. "I think that West Ham had a difficult season last season and I hope that next season we are going to play football that will delight the fans. "I always play attacking football and we must try to reach important targets in the season."
Former Manchester United boss Moyes replaced Slaven Bilic in November and led the Hammers away from the relegation zone to a 13th-place Premier League finish. But West Ham's board quickly opted not to retain the Scot's services, and have now installed Pellegrini instead. The Hammers' new Chilean boss led Manchester City to the Premier League title in 2014, with the Citizens blasting a record 151 goals in all competitions that season. Pellegrini believes he shares a common vision for West Ham's future with the club's joint chairman David Sullivan. "Every time I spoke with the owner Mr Sullivan, I always had the feeling that he wants me," Pellegrini told West Ham's official club website. "Every time you have a meeting you have feelings about whether it was a good meeting or a bad meeting and I had the meeting with him, just talking about football and talking about West Ham. "We agreed on a lot of things he wants for this club in the way I think a football club must be managed, so we have a lot of common ideas."
Pellegrini left Chinese Super League club Hebei China Fortune over the weekend and Sullivan has hailed his appointment in east London. "I am delighted to welcome Manuel Pellegrini to West Ham United, he is one of the world's most respected football coaches and we look forward to working with him," said Sullivan in a West Ham statement. "It was important that we appointed someone with knowledge and experience of the Premier League, who already has an understanding - not only of the teams and players we face - but of West Ham United and our ambitions. "Manuel brings a reputation for attacking football and getting the best out of his players. We believe he will attract new talent to the London Stadium as well as improving the current squad. "Manuel is the first West Ham United manager to have a Premier League title on his CV, and we believe that his experience, quality and proven record of taking teams forward quickly will ensure that he is successful here. "We have listened to fans who asked us to be ambitious; we hope they agree it is an exciting appointment."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Why West Ham star Manuel Lanzini should be delighted at Manuel Pellegrini's arrival
The Chilean boss is renowned for developing creative and attacking midfielders - just like Lanzini
Football London
By Sam Inkersole West Ham Correspondent
16:22, 22 MAY 2018UPDATED16:33, 22 MAY 2018
West Ham midfielder Manuel Lanzini should be thrilled at the appointment of Manuel Pellegrini as the new West Ham manager more than any other player as it gives him a chance to really flourish. The Argentine star is currently celebrating his richly-deserved call-up for his national team's World Cup squad for the tournament in Russia this summer but has yet to agree a new contract in east London. Lanzini is under contract in the capital until 2020 but is not on the same pay scale as the likes of Marko Arnautovic, Javier Hernandez or even Andy Carroll. football.london understands that talks between the player and his representatives are likely to be of great priority this summer and throughout the season to try and tie him down long-term to the Hammers. If he needed any encouragement to sit down with the top brass to negotiate a new deal then seeing Manuel Pellegrini on the training ground at Rush Green every day should be the perfect tonic for the 25-year-old. Pellegrini has a great track record with getting the best out of creative, attacking midfielders such as Juan Roman Riquelme at Villarreal, Isco at Malaga and David Silva at Manchester City to name but a few.
With another Argentine in the shape of the mercurial Riquelme when the duo were together at the Yellow Submarine, Pellegrini allowed the midfielder to not track back and thus save his energy for the final third of the pitch where he could do the most damage. Riquelme was allowed a certain leniency off the pitch as well but the player took it a bit too far before a very public fallout in 2007.
Riquleme became the hipsters midfielder back in those days, the Argentine flair coupled with an eye for goal, he topped the assists charts in La Liga in 2006 and bagged 12 goals to boot, he was happy-go-lucky, charming, almost innocent in a way before he got too big for his boots and Pellegrini snapped, banishing him from the team. By that time though, Riquelme was one of the best of the planet.
At Malaga, Pellegrini has Isco under his wing, with the manager saying he has "great affection" for the Spaniard having mentored him through the early stages of his career at Malaga before the big move to Real Madrid arrived for the midfielder.
Pellegrini had rescued Isco from the Valencia reserves, brought him back to his hometown and allowed him to flourish. Back in 2013, Isco said of the Chilean: "He's been my footballing father and I know that he likes me and, for me, of course I would like to continue with him because he's given me all the confidence in the world." Pellegrini had left for the Etihad but Isco went to the Bernabeu instead.
At Malaga though, Isco made an immediate impact and won the prestigious Golden Boy award for the game's most promising young player in 2012. He stepped up further after Santi Cazorla departed for Arsenal, leading Malaga to the last eight of the Champions League and struck 12 goals. At Manchester City, David Silva was viewed as the player to bring the X-Factor the Etihad, with the Spaniard saying in 2014: "It's been really good for me. He's suited me down to the ground. "My style of play is more suited to an attacking style. He's helped me develop as a player. You always want to improve as an individual."
Pelelgrini said that Silva, who arrived in Manchester in 2010 from Valencia, was a "gift" to English football. Pellegrini was the man who allowed Silva to essentially play with unlimited freedom to simply cause havoc wherever he was on the pitch and in a similar way to Riquelme and Isco, also allowed them to diminish some of their defensive responsibilities.
David Moyes lambasted Lanzini after the 4-1 defeat to Manchester City at the London Stadium for shirking defensively, which is not the Argentine's game. While he is going to be allowed to get away with murder under Pellegrini, Lanzini will be able to do more of what he does best - sit in the pocket between the opposition defence and the Hammers midfield and create chances.
If the 24-year-old is allowed to play his natural game, which he should under Pellegrini, it's a tantalising prospect for West Ham fans. They already know "The Jewel" is crucial to the teams success but we may see his game develop even more under "The Engineer" in east London.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham United wanting Phil Foden should encourage Martin Samuelsen to leave
HITC
John Verrall
West Ham United midfielder Martin Samuelsen has now reached an age where he needs to be playing regularly. According to a report in the Daily Mirror, West Ham United are planning to sign Manchester City's Phil Foden and that should tell Martin Samuelsen that he needs to depart. West Ham are reportedly keen on bringing Foden to London Stadium on loan, with Manuel Pellegrini eager to use his past contacts at City. And those transfer plans look like terrible news for Samuelsen's chances of breaking into West Ham's first-team. The Norwegian international has been one of West Ham's more promising performers at youth level in recent times, but his performances at senior level have been questionable. Samuelsen was sent out on loan to Burton Albion last season, and he was unable to hold down a place in their first-team. And if West Ham are now turning to 18-year-old attacking midfielders on loan ahead of him, then the omens do not appear good for Samuelsen back at the London Stadium either. Foden would simply be another obstacle in Samuelsen's pathway to West Ham's starting line-up, and it may be best that the attacking midfielder moves on now, as he has reached the age of 21 and needs to be playing regularly to aid his development.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
How Yaya Toure could spearhead Pellegrini's attacking philosophy at West Ham
HITC
Jamie Watts
Having appointed Manuel Pellegrini at West Ham United, here is why the club should pursue Yaya Toure to usher in a progressive footballing era. West Ham United have today confirmed the appointment of former Manchester City coach Manuel Pellegrini on a three-year deal (Sky Sports News), ushering in, what fans will hope, is a new era of progressive and attacking football at the London Stadium. Chairman David Sullivan has emphasised the ambition to play attacking football and believes the Chilean is the right man to shake things up. First comes new recruitment, and the priority signing is staring the club in the face.
West Ham United
✔
@WestHamUtd
Replying to @WestHamUtd
It's official... https://www.whufc.com/news/articles/2018/may/22-may/manuel-pellegrini-confirmed-west-ham-united-manager#2zZlvKfCJvDEdTXB.99 …
8:06 AM - May 22, 2018
Manuel Pellegrini confirmed as West Ham United manager
West Ham United are delighted to confirm the appointment of Manuel Pellegrini as the Club's new First Team Manager.
whufc.com
4,444
2,641 people are talking about this
Three-time Premier League winner and Manchester City legend Yaya Toure should unquestionably be on the Hammers' wish-list this summer as the marquee signing, with the Ivorian having decided to part ways with his beloved club after eight years. The veteran midfielder may not be the player of 2013 anymore - having scored 20 goals en route to lifting the league title under Pellegrini - but he still possesses elite quality and, placed alongside industrious midfielders like Mark Noble and Cheikhou Kouyate, his creative play and exceptional vision would keep West Ham ticking over and dominating possession in ways they have not seen in recent years. Toure is essentially the perfect player to spearhead a shift in philosophy, representing exactly what Pellegrini expects from his sides and, more so, his experience would assist in the translation of the manager's ideas onto the pitch. The 35-year-old may have been on a staggering £220,000-a-week at the Etihad (via Spotrac), but he surely cannot expect to continue earning that kind of money these days, and especially not in England. The chance to become the main man for West Ham and to be reunited with a beloved manager is surely an incredibly attractive prospect for Toure also.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Arnautovic is proving to be Payet's ideal replacement at West Ham
Alex Caple
Payet was incredibly difficult to replace but Arnautovic can give West Ham United what they never got from the Frenchman. Dimitri Payet lit up West Ham United during his 18-month stay with the club, demonstrating the ability that rarely gets seen outside of England's top six. Payet had carved out a decent reputation for himself in France, but his explosion in the Premier League came out of nowhere. He was, after all, an £11million 28-year-old with roughly a dozen France caps and signed without competition. He was brilliant, exciting and charismatic in his football until it fell away. He may have been the star at West Ham but he did not settle long enough, nor show the right attitude, to have the team built around him properly, robbing the club of an opportunity to get the most from their find. Marko Arnautovic's £20million signing from Stoke City was relatively similar; the Austrian arrived as a 28-year-old with a good but not great reputation and, much like Payet, was known for an attitude that teams could be sure to see both good and bad from. His slow start to the season originally made the switch look like a mistake but his second-half turnaround saw Arnautovic named 'Hammer of the Year' as well as become the first West Ham player to reach 11 Premier League goals in over a decade. He has quickly developed into a player the team can truly rely upon, not just game by game, but long term, too. Arnautovic recently talked about his development over the season, crediting both the fans and former manager David Moyes. "First of all, I want to apologise for the first three months!" he said. "I tried to work hard and give everything and I want to thank my teammates and the fans for everything. Thank you and enjoy your holidays!" Those are the words of someone West Ham can build a team around. He wants to be there, he wants to improve, and he is ready to acknowledge where he went wrong. The Hammers attacker may not quite generate the excitement or wow-factor of Payet, but Arnautovic is giving West Ham something far more important - an opportunity to progress.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Manuel Pellegrini chooses Enzo Maresca as West Ham assistant
HITC
Danny Owen
Former West Brom ace Enzo Maresca is heading back to England with Premier League outfit West Ham United. Two years after being shoved out by Manchester City to make way for Pep Guardiola, Manuel Pellegrini has returned to English football. The 64-year-old has been announced as the successor to David Moyes at the London Stadium, signing a three-year contract worth up to £10 million a year which makes him one of the best paid managers in English football, according to the Evening Standard. And it seems that Pellegrini has already chosen his assistant.
According to Sky Italia, Enzo Maresca will follow the Chilean to the English capital – a man Pellegrini knows very well. The Italian, now 38 years of age, spent the 2011/12 season under Pellegrini at Malaga, scoring nine goals in 19 games as the club qualified for the Champions League for the first time in their history after finishing fourth in La Liga. Maresca also played for Juventus, Fiorentina and Sevilla during a lengthy playing career and, strangely enough, started his professional journey at West Brom back in 1998. The former midfielder worked as an assistant coach at Sevilla recently alongside the now-deaprted Vincenzo Montella. Second coach of Sevilla FC Enzo Maresca (L) abd Head Coach of Sevilla FC Vincenzo Montella looks on during the training session prior to their UEFA Champions League match against Bayern... And obviously Pellegrini saw a sharp tactical mind in Maresca during their time together at Malaga because it seems that he is set to return to England, 18 years after he left West Brom for Juventus.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Simon Jordan suggests West Ham as future destination for Brendan Rodgers
HITC
Subhankar Mondal
West Ham United have just appointed a new manager, but could Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers be at the London club in the future? Arsenal? Tottenham Hotspur? Chelsea? According to former Crystal Palace chairman Simon Jordan, it is West Ham United that would suit former Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers, who is currently in charge of Celtic in the Scottish Premiership. According to a report in The Daily Star in April, Chelsea and Arsenal have been looking at Celtic boss Rodgers. The Times recently asked the former Swansea City boss about a potential move to Tottenham in the future, while rock and roll legend, Sir Rod Stewart, suggested to talkSPORT in February that he would be great for Spurs when manager Mauricio Pochettino leaves. According to former Palace chairman Jordan, it is West Ham that would suit Rodgers.
Jordan said on the Kick Off show on talkSPORT on Monday evening (9:43pm, May 21, 2018) while discussing Rodgers's future: "I think he could suit Arsenal, but I think Brendan's style is probably a little bit samey as Arsene Wenger and not enough of a departure. "I could see Brendan at West Ham. I could see Brendan at West Ham because I think his philosophy of football would appease the fans. His management-style, he would be able to handle Gold and Sullivan and keep them at arm's length. And I think also he has got enough cache to be able to bring players in."
Former Manchester City boss Manuel Pellegrini has just been appointed as the West Ham manager and Rodgers is not going to leave Celtic anytime soon, but Jordan's comments are quite interesting and intriguing. Leaving Celtic for West Ham would probably be a step down for Rodgers, but it would give him the chance to return to the Premier League. The Hammers are an ambitious club, and the former Liverpool boss could relish the challenge of pushing them into the Premier League's elite. However, for now, Celtic fans should not worry about losing Rodgers, while West Ham supporters should look forward to life under Pellegrini.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham could pull off superb deal signing Lukasz Fabianski
HITC
Jordan Harris
West Ham United are amongst the group of Premier League sides interested in signing Lukasz Fabianski during the summer. Amongst the key issues that Manuel Pellegrini must address in his West Ham squad during the coming weeks is the goalkeeper situation at the London Stadium with Joe Hart returning to Manchester City following a disappointing loan spell and Adrian struggling to prove that he was the kind of number one that the Hammers could rely on. No team in the Premier League conceded more goals than the Irons this past season. And while it would be incredibly unfair to simply blame Hart and Adrian as the defence also let the pair down at times, signing a new number one needs to be right near the top of Pellegrini's list of priorities following his arrival. It appears that one of the names that the Hammers are considering is Swansea City stopper Lukasz Fabianski. The Guardian reported last week that West Ham had joined Newcastle, Watford and Crystal Palace in the race to sign the Poland international who looks set to leave the Liberty Stadium following the club's relegation. The Guardian adds that Swansea are likely to want around £5 million for the 33-year-old who has one year left on his deal with the club. It is perhaps a steep outlay for a player who may be edging towards the twilight of his career and does not have long left on his contract, but it could arguably prove to be a superb piece of business for West Ham if they manage to win the race. Fabianski has been one of Swansea's best players over the last few years and arguably has to be considered one of the best-performing goalkeepers in the Premier League this past year. His reliability and consistency could make him the perfect addition to a West Ham side that has a lot of ability at the back. And with Fabianski perhaps able to carry on playing for a number of years yet, it is difficult to think of many better players that the Hammers could get for £5 million - especially when you consider how much their goalkeeping situation has been an Achilles heel for the club this past year.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
