One of the more bizarre stories circulating is the suggestion that Jose Mourinho could be a viable option if West Ham decide to part ways with Julen Lopetegui.
The rumour seems to have originated last night when Mourinho was interviewed following his red card in the 1-1 Europa League draw between Fenerbahce and Manchester United.
The Special One mentioned the idea of one day managing a Premier League team low in the standings and guiding them to European qualification. This prompted TalkSport’s Jason Cundy to suggest West Ham as a suitable candidate.
“There’s only one team that really can get him that isn’t in Europe. It’s West Ham. West Ham, just because of the stadium, because of the club,” Cundy said.
“He might win West Ham something; he might win them a League Cup.”
While it’s no surprise that an outsider like Cundy might make such a suggestion, I’m puzzled by the traction the idea has gained among some Hammers fans, with a few even seeing it as a good short-term solution.
I guess it’s a case of people being so frustrated with Lopetegui’s football that almost anyone else will do. But haven’t we been here before? Wasn’t there the same desperation for ‘anyone but Moyes’ to lead the club forward?
Mourinho and West Ham? A match made in hell
To me, Jose Mourinho and West Ham United sound like a match made in hell. The former Chelsea boss is well past his prime and has a well-earned reputation for defensive football and conflicts with others.
One can only imagine how quickly the relationship between him and the West Ham board would implode. And if you think he’d promote any of the Hammers’ academy stars, think again.
As for how the relationship between Mourinho and Steidten would play out, it possibly carries a degree of certainty—given Steidten’s struggles to work with Moyes and Lopetegui, it’s unlikely to fare better under Mourinho.
For the record, I like Mourinho. I admire his record and have always enjoyed his interviews and press conferences, but only from afar . . . very far.
