West Ham’s season is only just underway, but already the pressure is mounting on Graham Potter.
The Hammers were thrashed 3-0 by Sunderland on the opening day before being humbled 5-1 at home to Chelsea. Any hopes of a cup run were also dashed early, with Wolves knocking them out of the EFL Cup in the second round after a 3-2 defeat.
There has at least been one positive moment — a convincing 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest — and with several new arrivals joining late in the transfer window, time will tell if Potter can turn things around. But as it stands, his job is firmly in the balance.
Now, former West Ham midfielder Martin Allen has weighed in on who he believes would be the perfect man to take over if the club decide to swing the axe.
Allen Tips Mourinho as the Perfect Fit
Speaking exclusively to West Ham Zone, Allen admitted he thinks Jose Mourinho would be the standout choice.
Mourinho has already been linked with the London Stadium hot seat following his departure from Fenerbahce. The Portuguese tactician has also suggested he’d be keen on a Premier League return — specifically at a club facing a difficult situation.
With three Premier League titles, two Serie A crowns, a La Liga triumph and two Champions League wins on his glittering CV, Allen believes the “Special One” has the pedigree to steady the ship in east London.
“He’s always been a fantastic organiser with teams that are difficult to beat,” Allen explained. “That has been his way. If he came in and played that way and got enough points to stay in the Premier League, fans would be happy.”
He added: “I think, at the moment, every fan would say, ‘Who cares about the style of play? We want points.’ He’s always found a way of doing that. If West Ham are looking for a new manager and he’s available, then he’s one they would certainly talk to.”
While Potter still has time to prove himself, the shadow of Mourinho looms large. For some fans, the thought of swapping possession football for pragmatic organisation may not appeal.
But as Allen points out, in a season already shaping up to be a struggle, results will trump style every time.
