da luck： According to online bookmaker Paddy Power, Zenit Saint Petersburg manager Roberto Mancini has emerged as the 5/2 joint-favourite with Newcastle United boss Rafa Benitez to replace the under pressure Slaven Bilic at West Ham United.
da pinup bet： The Irons have lost their opening three matches of the Premier League season – all of which have been away from home because of the 2017 World Athletics Championships being held at their London Stadium – conceding 10 goals in the process, and they face an in-form Huddersfield Town in east London this weekend.
While the losses against Manchester United and Southampton – where Marko Arnautovic was sent off in the first half – were perhaps understandable, the 3-0 defeat against a Newcastle team that had lost their opening two league matches of the campaign was certainly disappointing.
Even though Mancini only took the reins at Zenit in June, he will be well known to the Hammers board and supporters having managed Manchester City for four seasons between 2009 and 2013.
Here are three reasons Mancini would be the ideal Bilic successor…
Managerial experience
There is no doubt that the Italian has taken charge of some of the biggest clubs in Europe in a number of different competitions during his managerial career, and it proves just how successful he has been and how well respected he is as a coach in the game.
The 52-year-old has managed Fiorentina, Lazio and enjoyed two separate spells with Inter Milan in his native Italy, while he has also led Manchester City, Galatasaray and now Zenit Saint Petersburg, winning 13 trophies along the way.
Win percentages
Bilic’s current win percentage with West Ham is 37.62% – which is perhaps to be expected given they aren’t challenging for the top four in the Premier League – but the Irons owners will still be very impressed with Mancini’s record during his managerial career.
The Italian had a win percentage of 61.95% during his first spell with Inter Milan and then 59.16% in England with Manchester City.
His numbers since then with Galatasaray, Inter and Zenit since are less notable but still impressive, and he would be confident of picking up results consistently if he took charge of the east London outfit.
Improving the defence
Mancini is a strong character and he enjoyed great success during his tenure with Manchester City, delivering their first Premier League title in incredible circumstances in 2012 when Sergio Aguero scored that goal.
One of the things he did to ensure that they lifted the trophy was strengthen them defensively – something he has been known for during his managerial career – and they conceded just 33 goals in 38 Premier League matches in the 2010/11 season, keeping 18 clean sheets in the process.
Do you agree, Irons fans? Let us know below.