Slaven Bilic has hinted at a potential return to West Ham United, should the club opt to dismiss manager Graham Potter amid ongoing struggles. The Hammers have begun the season poorly, with fans and critics alike questioning the leadership at the London Stadium. A recent 1,400-word statement from the club, released ahead of Saturday’s London derby against Crystal Palace, appeared to offer minimal support for Potter, who took over in January after Julen Lopetegui’s departure.

Despite internal assurances from senior management that they back Potter, the pressure is intensifying as the team languishes in the relegation zone with just one win and four losses from their first four Premier League matches. Potter’s win rate of 27.3% is the worst in the club’s Premier League history, surpassing only Avram Grant’s 18.9% during his tenure. The manager’s fate may hinge on results in the coming weeks, with fixtures against Everton and Arsenal looming before the international break.

If Potter is sacked, former Hammers boss Bilic has emerged as a potential candidate. The Croatian, who previously led the club from 2015 to 2017, is seen as a temporary solution. During his first season, Bilic guided West Ham to a seventh-place finish and Europa League qualification, with the iconic Dimitri Payet’s signing proving pivotal. However, his tenure ended abruptly in 2017 after Payet’s exit and the team’s struggles, leading to his replacement by David Moyes.

Bilic’s managerial career has spanned clubs including West Brom, Watford, and Al Fateh, with mixed results. While he remains a viable option, other names like Sean Dyche and Nuno Espirito Santo are also under consideration. The club’s next steps could shape the future of their management, with fans eager for a turnaround after a turbulent start.

Slaven Bilic’s managerial record:

  • Croatia (2006-2012): 65 matches, 42 wins, 14 draws, 9 losses
  • Loko Moscow (2012-2013): 32 matches, 13 wins, 7 draws, 12 losses
  • Besiktas (2013-2015): 92 matches, 48 wins, 22 draws, 22 losses
  • West Ham (2015-2017): 109 matches, 42 wins, 30 draws, 37 losses
  • Al-Ittihad (2018-2019): 19 matches, 5 wins, 6 draws, 8 losses
  • West Brom (2019-2020): 65 matches, 26 wins, 21 draws, 18 losses
  • BJ Guoan (2021-2022): 22 matches, 9 wins, 6 draws, 7 losses
  • Watford (2022-2023): 26 matches, 10 wins, 7 draws, 9 losses
  • Al-Fateh (2023-2024): 36 matches, 13 wins, 9 draws, 14 losses

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#Football News #West Ham #Graham Potter #Slaven Bilic #Managerial Change