Slaven Bilic retains support of the West Ham board but club chiefs insist results ‘have to improve’
Slaven Bilic is not in imminent danger of losing his job as manager of West Ham, despite the disastrous 5-0 FA Cup defeat by Manchester City.
The manner of the mauling by City at the London Stadium on Friday — and the subsequent comments by West Ham co-chairman David Sullivan and vice-chairman Karren Brady — increased speculation that Bilic had the next two matches to save his job.
Sullivan, on the official club website, wrote: “We know we have to improve quickly and upcoming fixtures against Crystal Palace and Middlesbrough now become cup finals.”
Brady, meanwhile, tweeted: “We know we have to improve, Palace and Boro are now vital games.”
A West Ham source today, however, said that the club “hope and expect him to be our manager for the next 18 months as we proudly like to honour contracts”.
It is understood the club’s board remain supportive of Bilic and want him to succeed, especially after a highly successful first season but acknowledge that results such as that against Manchester City plus the 5-1 defeat by Arsenal — both at home — have put added pressure on the Croatian.
Saturday’s visit of Palace, who are managed by Bilic’s predecessor Sam Allardyce, has added another ingredient to what is a crucial London derby for both clubs.
There is no concerted clamour among West Ham supporters for Bilic’s head but he will know that his side need an immediate and major improvement against a side who themselves desperately need points after a poor start to the season.
West Ham, meanwhile, continue to close in on Brentford striker Scott Hogan.
Bilic has support of West Ham board but results ‘have to improve'West Ham UnitedSlaven BilicPremier LeagueWest Ham news: Slaven Bilic retains support of the board but club chiefs insist results ‘have to improve’Slave Bilic retains board’s support but West Ham chiefs say things ‘have to improve’