Manuel Pellegrini was fired by West Ham on December 28th, with the club 17th in the Premier League.
Appointed in May 2018, the manager got West Ham to tenth in his first season in charge, and it was expected he’d be able to improve on that season. When it became clear that wasn’t going to be the case, and that a relegation battle was likelier, the decision to axe him was made.
Since then things haven’t gone better for the Hammers, with David Moyes now having them in 18th position.
Pellegrini has a good reputation in Spanish football, and there are now claims from Chile that Valencia have been in touch. Currently eighth in La Liga, they appointed inexperienced Albert Celades in September.
It wasn’t the best of starts, with fans and players both angered by the dismissal of Marcelino, who had won the Copa del Rey the previous season.
There’s question marks over Celades’ future, and La Cuarta report Valencia made contact on Saturday, after they lost 3-0 to Real Sociedad.
A source close to Pellegrini is quoted as saying: “It is true that there is an interest of Valencia for Manuel Pellegrini, it is already more than contact. However, none of the parties have made a decision on this.”
Pellegrini is said to be worried about the instability at the Spanish club under Peter Lim. Just like at West Ham, the owner is facing protests from fans, and that means he’s hesitating on whether to push himself forward for the role.
