According to a report (via F365), West Ham manager David Moyes could be at risk of losing his job if the team fails to win the Europa Conference League final against Fiorentina.
Moyes is currently in his second stint at the London Stadium, with his initial period between November 2017 and May 2018 being underwhelming. However, upon his return, he has achieved significant success. Last season, West Ham reached the Europa League semi-finals and finished sixth in the Premier League, and they are now preparing for their first European final in 47 years.
The Hammers will face Fiorentina in Prague next Wednesday after defeating AZ Alkmaar in the semi-finals. While Moyes seemed secure in his position after leading West Ham to the Conference League final, his job is once again in jeopardy due to a disappointing domestic campaign. The team finished 14th in the Premier League and experienced early exits from the FA Cup and Carabao Cup, leading to unrest in east London.
Throughout the season, Moyes reportedly came close to losing his job on several occasions, but he managed to turn things around just when it seemed he was on the verge of being sacked. Now, he must conjure his Scottish magic one more time before the end of the 2022/23 season. The Conference League final against Fiorentina is said to be a make-or-break moment for Moyes, with The Guardian reporting that he could be sacked if West Ham fails to win the European trophy. The club’s hierarchy is allegedly considering parting ways with the former Manchester United boss.
While Moyes has not lost the dressing room and still has credit in the bank, confidence in him has diminished following the conclusion of the Premier League season. The team’s style of play has been criticized for being cautious, and there has been disappointment in the performances of some of the recent signings, including Gianluca Scamacca, who failed to live up to his £35 million price tag. Lucas Paqueta, another summer signing, initially struggled but showed signs of improvement towards the end of the season. If he performs at his best against Fiorentina, West Ham will be a formidable opponent.
The report also mentions that West Ham captain Declan Rice is expected to leave the club in the summer, with Arsenal being the favorites to secure his signature despite interest from Bayern Munich. It is noted that Rice is reluctant to leave England.