‘Going to win the league again’: Pundit backs West Ham to hire manager who plays ‘nice football’

Darren Bent has strongly suggested that West Ham United should consider appointing Brendan Rodgers as their next manager, especially in light of the growing pressure surrounding current boss Julen Lopetegui. The former England striker made the recommendation following the latest reports on Lopetegui’s future at the London Stadium. According to Italian football journalist Fabrizio Romano’s Daily Briefing on November 3, Lopetegui is facing intense scrutiny after a series of disappointing results, with the 2-0 loss to Nottingham Forest potentially being the final straw in his short tenure at the club.

Lopetegui’s start to life at West Ham has been difficult, and his position is now under significant threat. Since taking over from David Moyes in the summer, the former Real Madrid manager has only managed to guide the team to three wins, and recent defeats, including a heavy loss to Tottenham and the setback against Nottingham Forest, have added to the growing discontent among fans. These poor results have fueled calls for change from both supporters and pundits, with many now considering who could be the next manager to take charge at the club.

Bent, speaking on talkSPORT on November 5, expressed his belief that Brendan Rodgers could be the perfect candidate to replace Lopetegui. The former Leicester City boss has had an impressive managerial career and has shown his ability to deliver success at multiple clubs. Bent highlighted Rodgers’ ability to play attractive football and his consistent success in Scotland with Celtic. “He plays some nice football,” Bent said, adding, “He’s going to win the league again up in Scotland.”

Rodgers has been in charge of Celtic since 2016, where he enjoyed considerable success. Under his stewardship, Celtic won multiple Scottish Premiership titles, completing an unbeaten season in 2017-18, and securing several domestic cups. Before his time in Scotland, Rodgers had notable stints in the Premier League, most notably at Liverpool, where he came agonizingly close to winning the Premier League in the 2013-14 season, finishing second behind Manchester City. His time at Leicester City saw him lead the club to their first-ever FA Cup triumph in 2021, and his overall record in English football has established him as one of the most respected managers in the game.

Rodgers’ record of success at various levels, combined with his style of play, could make him an appealing option for West Ham. His ability to implement an attacking, possession-based style of football contrasts with the more pragmatic approach seen under Moyes and Lopetegui. This change in approach might offer a refreshing shift for fans who have become disillusioned with the club’s current form and performances. However, the question remains whether West Ham supporters would welcome Rodgers with open arms, given his previous connection to Celtic and the differences in expectations between English and Scottish football.

Lopetegui, who was appointed after Moyes’ departure, has found it challenging to adapt to the demands of Premier League management. While his tactical approach has been more possession-oriented than his predecessor’s, it has not yielded the desired results. West Ham’s poor form, which includes significant defeats to some of their direct rivals, has left fans frustrated. The recent defeat to Nottingham Forest was seen as a particularly damaging result, one that could have sealed Lopetegui’s fate. Fans have grown increasingly vocal about their dissatisfaction with the team’s performances, and many believe that a change in leadership is necessary to avoid further decline.

The situation at West Ham has sparked speculation about potential replacements, with several names being discussed in the media. Along with Rodgers, Borussia Dortmund’s Edin Terzic has also been mentioned as a potential option for the club. However, Rodgers’ extensive experience in both domestic and international football could give him the edge over other candidates.

Should West Ham decide to move on from Lopetegui and bring in Rodgers, it could mark the beginning of a new era at the club. Rodgers has demonstrated his ability to stabilize and improve teams, and his leadership could help West Ham recover from their rocky start to the season. His ability to get the best out of players, particularly in terms of attacking play, could be exactly what the club needs to kickstart their campaign.

While the appointment of Rodgers may not immediately convince all West Ham fans, his proven track record and ability to build successful teams make him a strong candidate to take the reins. If he does make the move to East London, Rodgers will be tasked with turning around West Ham’s fortunes and ensuring that the club remains competitive in the Premier League. His success at Celtic and Leicester, along with his experience managing in the Premier League, suggests that he has the qualities needed to succeed at West Ham.