Moyes’ position has been discussed practically the entire season. West Ham has gone through ups and downs in it, it is currently going through a bad period. He won only once out of the last ten competitive matches, the last time he suffered a 0:5 debacle at Chelsea, speculation about possible successors grew stronger. According to former striker Chris Sutton, the whole incident took its toll on the team.
“I think players subconsciously switch off in a situation like that,” the former striker, who was at Blackburn, Chelsea or Celtic, told BBC Radio 5. “I think the owners were messing around with David Moyes, which started a domino effect. I just think they (the owners) took it the wrong way. They could have handled it better and shown him more respect,” Sutton added.
Moyes took over West Ham for the second time in his career in December 2019. Under his leadership, the team managed a rescue mission, climbing to sixth place in the next season of the Premier League, then finishing seventh and winning the Conference League the following season. Despite the current struggles, West Ham have good prospects of being placed in the English league in the elite ten. “Now at home the fans will have the chance to pay him the tribute he deserves,” Carragher said.
“Winning the European trophy is special. I think he (Moyes – author’s note) deserved it for his whole career. Not only for his engagement at West Ham. He is one of the top coaches in the Premier League,” said Carragher.
In England, reference is made not only to the solid results that Moyes achieved with West Ham. In contrast, some build a game that is based on defense. “Every football fan wants Pep Guardiola’s style of football now, but that’s unrealistic,” Sutton said.
He believes West Ham’s owners have been swayed by fans’ calls for a more attractive display. “There are West Ham fans who now expect a big season and expansion. But personally I’d be surprised if it was better than under David Moyes,” Sutton said.
The former coach of Everton, Manchester United, Spanish Real Sociedad or Sunderland will have time to rest and wait for a new job. “I think he will be back in the Premier League soon. Maybe next season, maybe in a year. He knows how to lead a team in this competition,” Carragher said of Moyes’ abilities.
“I think this is the right way to do it. I understand there was some frustration with the style of play. But the results show that he has done an excellent job for West Ham,” added the legendary Liverpool defender.
According to reports in the English media, Moyes should be replaced by Spanish coach Julen Lopetegui, who last worked in Wolverhampton.
