Ahead of Slaven Bilić are two vital matches that will determine his fate as the coach of West Ham.
Former Croatian national team coach Slaven Bilić is walking on eggshells at Premier League club West Ham United in London. Sitting just outside the relegation zone, West Ham is currently in 16th place with only 8 points gained, reports Gol.hr on October 25, 2017.
Due to overall poor results, a team that is anything but, and a blowout loss to Brighton over the weekend, it is clear that West Ham fans and management are far from happy with the Croat. Bilić, under more pressure now than ever, has been given two games to turn this mess around - and if not, the coach could very well be sacked from the London club.
Because desperate times call for desperate measures, it is no surprise that the rumor mill is heated discussing Bilić’s plans, that is, in the event he no longer coaches West Ham United. Circulating Croatian media today was one story in particular.
According to a 'reliable source' from the United States, talkSPORT argues that the US soccer federation is interested in bringing in Bilić as the coach after the sacking of former US coach Bruce Arena. If you recall, the US failed to qualify for the World Cup in Russia next year - this is the first time since 1986.
Croatian media reports that it is unknown whether any contact has been made, but when considering the situation, it could be favorable to both sides. A move to the United States for the Croat would be a safe one, recognizing Bilić’s past achievements with Croatia. It may also be a better environment for the Croat as he would undoubtedly be under less stress and pressure, unlike in England where every game is virtually decisive for survival. We are also familiar with Zdravko Mamić's wish for the Croat to return to Croatia’s bench, right?
Slaven Bilić coached the Croatia national team for six years, moving to club management five years ago. To date, he has led teams from Russia, Turkey and England, and has been the leading man at West Ham since 2015.
Co-owner of the Hammers, David Sullivan, continues to support Bilić and has assured that he will manage the team for the rest of the season, but on the other hand, 80% of West Ham fans are hoping the Croat finds another solution.
Bilić’s final two matches will be anything but easy. The Hammers will face Tottenham tonight at Wembley Stadium in the round of 16 of the Football League Cup, while a somewhat more comfortable game against Crystal Palace is ahead of them this weekend at Selhurst Park.
Whether the US is after Slaven Bilić remains to be seen. Welcome to another day in the life of the football rumor mill.
Excerpts taken from Gol.hr
