Manuel Pellegrini previously managed Real Madrid, Malaga and Manchester CityWest Ham boss Manuel Pellegrini says he still has the backing of the board and players despite being one point above the Premier League relegation zone. The Hammers are 16th after 16 games and Monday's 3-1 defeat by Arsenal was their seventh defeat in nine matches. Some people within the club believe Pellegrini, 66, could be sacked if the Hammers lose away to 18th-placed Southampton in the league on Saturday. Pellegrini added it was "not normal" for his side, who finished 10th last season, to have picked up only five points in their last 10 Premier League games. He added that his players are still behind him, having impressed in victory over Chelsea last month.

Source: BBC December 12, 2019 22:41 UTC