The man Tim Steidten appointed showed West Ham what might be if the David Moyes succession plan for Xabi Alonso is true.
It was not so long ago David Moyes was under intense pressure to keep his job as West Ham boss.
And rumours have once again reignited ahead of the new season before a ball has even been kicked.
Anger, frustration and disbelief at the club’s dismal summer transfer window has seen some West Ham fans call for change.
That was compounded on Saturday when West Ham were taken to the cleaners by German side Bayer Leverkusen.
It was the manner of performance and West Ham’s now all too familiar surrendering of possession that was just as alarming as the 4-0 scoreline.
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Dark Hammers cloud may just have a silver lining in the long term
But that particular cloud may just have a silver lining for the Hammers. Or at least those among the fanbase who feel the club must move on from Moyes.
When West Ham have appointed Tim Steidten as technical director with overarching responsibility for recruitment and transfers it was always going to present a problem with the manager.
And the transfer stand-off at West Ham since is evidence of that as the club prepare to go into the new campaign without a single signing for the first team.
Many believed this summer would have made for an ideal parting of the ways for West Ham and Moyes. The Scot could have gone out on the high his time at the club deserves.
But there is no escaping the fact West Ham must somehow find the players to change their style on the pitch as Moyes remains in charge.
Man Tim Steidten appointed shows West Ham what might be if David Moyes succession plan for Xabi Alonso is true
The Hammers had the second worst possession statistics in the entire Premier League last season. And some West Ham fans want to see a different approach in a league now filled with Pep Guardiola disciples in the dugouts.
It was claimed by a source inside West Ham last month that Steidten’s appointment could see the German help West Ham replace Moyes with Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso next summer.
West Ham were heavily linked with Alonso recently – as reported here on Hammers News.
Alonso’s contract was up next summer – when Moyes’ West Ham deal also expires. But he signed a two-year extension this weekend.
In reality all that means is West Ham would have to pay a small compensation fee to get him out of the Steidten’s old club.
And the man Steidten appointed showed West Ham what might be if the Moyes succession plan for Alonso is true.
Scintillating style will be well worth the wait if succession plan rumours are true
Besides the obvious concerns on the West Ham side, the big takeaway for Hammers fans from the pre-season friendly at Leverkusen was just how good the hosts were.
West Ham were popped off the park by the silky one and two-touch football of Alonso’s side – a team Steidten, who left the club in March, helped build.
Some of the play from Leverkusen really was breathtaking and the attacking verve on display was something West Ham fans can only dream of.
Well if Alonso really is the club’s long-term target to replace Moyes, then perhaps that dream will become reality one day in the not-too-distant future.
Judging by the scintillating style of football the Hammers were subjected to, it will be well worth the wait.
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