It wouldn’t be hyperbole to suggest West Ham United are already in something of a crisis this season.
The fans staged a sizable and understandable protest outside the ground on Saturday afternoon, and the team are in freefall.
Graham Potter has overseen six games so far, losing five and winning just one, which has left them out of the League Cup and near the bottom of the Premier League.
In short, the club need to find a replacement for the manager, and fortunately, it looks like they have someone who could be perfect for Lucas Paqueta.
West Ham target Potter upgrade
With how badly they have been performing, it’s not been a surprise to see West Ham linked with a host of managers in recent weeks.
Manager Focus
One of the less inspiring names touted for the role has been Gary O’Neil, who has been out of work since being fired by Wolverhampton Wanderers last year.
Likewise, former Everton manager Sean Dyche, who has also been out of work for a while, has been linked with the club.
However, there is yet another free manager who has been linked with the job, someone who now looks to be one of the frontrunners.
At least that is according to a recent report by journalist Jacob Steinberg, who claims West Ham are still interested in Slaven Bilic.
In fact, he goes further, revealing that those near to David Sullivan are urging him to hire the Croatian and that.
However, Steinberg also makes it clear that the club’s former manager would only join on an interim basis as Nuno Espírito Santo remains their primary target.
In all, while some might be underwhelmed, we believe this would be a great short-term hire and a move that could unlock more from attacking players like Paqueta.
Why Bilic would be good for West Ham and Paqueta
So, the first thing to say is that even if some would be unimpressed by this appointment, Bilic would undoubtedly be an improvement on Potter.
After all, the Croatian’s record of 1.43 points per game when he was in charge of the club is far better than the Englishman’s current average of just 0.92 points per game.
However, when we dig a little deeper, we can see some of the other reasons he would be better than the former Chelsea boss, such as the attacking output of the club.
Games
109
25
Wins
42
6
Draws
30
5
Losses
37
14
Points per Game
1.43
0.92
Goals Scored
160
30
Goals Conceded
167
41
During his tenure in East London, the Croatian coach’s squad scored 160 goals in 109 games, which averages out to 1.46 goals per game.
For comparison’s sake, Potter’s side have scored just 30 goals in 25 games, which is a far less impressive average of 1.2 per game.
In other words, the “absolutely immense” Split-born manager, as dubbed by former professional Lee Hendrie, set up to entertain as well as win, and in the process, supercharged the offensive players in his side, notably, Dimitri Payet.
During his time in the capital, the Frenchman scored 15 goals and provided 22 assists in 60 games, working out to a goal involvement every 1.62 games.
Yet, it wasn’t just the output with the dynamic ace, as his overall play was a sight to behold, and even earned him a Ballon d’Or nomination in 2017.
Now, we are not saying Paqueta would reach quite those levels, but he’s clearly not playing at his best under Potter, and as the former Hammers boss’s side was so much more entertaining, there is every chance the Brazilian would step it up a level under him.
Ultimately, West Ham need to make a change fast, and while he wouldn’t be a great long-term choice, Bilic would be a brilliant interim hire to steady the ship this season.