West Ham are considering a move for Slaven Bilic if they decide to part ways with Graham Potter, whose position is under increasing pressure following a poor start to the season.
Although Potter’s immediate future may not depend solely on Saturday’s home match against Crystal Palace, the overall situation looks bleak for the former Chelsea manager. West Ham sit 18th in the Premier League after losing four of their first five games, causing growing concern among the board.
David Sullivan, the club’s largest shareholder, isn’t ready to make a change just yet, but backup plans are being discussed. Bilic, who managed West Ham from 2015 to 2017, would be a candidate to return if Potter leaves. Other names under consideration include former Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espírito Santo and ex-Everton boss Sean Dyche.
It’s unclear whether Nuno would be willing to take on another job so soon after being sacked by Forest last week due to a breakdown in his relationship with owner Evangelos Marinakis. Under Nuno, Forest qualified for European competition last season.
One challenge for West Ham is whether there are enough suitable managers available. Sullivan has a history of preferring to hire coaches who are currently out of work. One option could be to bring Bilic back on a short-term deal.
Bilic has strong ties to the club, having also played for West Ham. In his first season as manager, he led the team to a seventh-place finish in their final year at Upton Park, qualifying for the Europa League playoffs with Dimitri Payet shining. However, after the move to the London Stadium, results dipped, and he was eventually replaced by David Moyes in his third season. Bilic holds no hard feelings and is open to a return.
His most recent job was in Saudi Arabia, and he nearly rejoined West Ham on an interim basis during the 2022–23 season before Moyes kept his job and went on to win the Conference League. Bilic also guided Croatia to the Euro 2008 quarter-finals and earned promotion to the Premier League with West Brom in 2020.
Since Moyes left and Julen Lopetegui took over last year, West Ham have struggled. Potter replaced Lopetegui in January but has lost 13 of his 24 games in charge. The club now fears a relegation battle and is facing protests from unhappy fans.
Potter could argue that years of poor recruitment before his arrival have made his job harder. This summer, West Ham had to sell before they could buy, losing Mohammed Kudus to Tottenham. Still, some within the club are growing impatient.There are questions about whether Potter and his recruitment chief, Kyle Macaulay, made the right signings. Their pursuit of Danish goalkeeper Mads Hermansen from Leicester is under particular scrutiny. West Ham have had trouble defending set pieces, and Hermansen has struggled to take charge of his area. They will face even more pressure from dead-ball situations in their upcoming matches against Palace, Everton, and Arsenal before the international break.
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of FAQs about West Ham considering Slaven Bilic and Nuno Espirito Santo as managerial candidates
General Beginner Questions
1 Why is West Ham looking for a new manager
They are considering replacements in case their current manager Julen Lopetegui struggles or if they decide to make a change not specifically for Graham Potter This appears to be contingency planning
2 Who are Slaven Bilic and Nuno Espirito Santo
They are both experienced football managers Bilic is a former West Ham player and manager while Nuno is known for his successful time managing Wolverhampton Wanderers and Tottenham Hotspur
3 Is Graham Potter definitely leaving West Ham
No This is a common misunderstanding These rumors are about potential replacements not because Potter is currently the manager Julen Lopetegui is the current manager and this is likely about having backup options
4 What is a shortlist for a manager
Its a small list of top candidates that a clubs owners and directors have identified as potential hires for the managers job
Advanced Detailed Questions
5 Why are Bilic and Nuno being linked with the job
Both are available managers with proven Premier League experience This makes them lowrisk known quantities for the clubs owners compared to an unproven or overseas manager
6 What are the potential benefits of hiring Slaven Bilic
The major benefit is his existing connection with the fans He is a club legend from his playing days and had a successful first stint as manager He understands the clubs culture and would likely have immediate fan support
7 What are the potential benefits of hiring Nuno
Nuno is a tactically disciplined manager known for organizing strong defensive units as he did at Wolves He has experience building a competitive team without a massive budget which could appeal to West Ham
8 What are the concerns about hiring Slaven Bilic
His managerial record since leaving West Ham has been mixed with spells at West Brom Beijing Guoan and Watford ending without great success Some may see it as a step backwards or a sentimental appointment
9 What are the concerns about hiring Nuno
His style of play at Wolves while effective was often criticized
