West Ham news: Agbonlahor can’t believe what he’s heard about Rafa Benitez – ‘there will be riots’
Gabby Agbonlahor has insisted there would be “riots outside the London Stadium” if West Ham replace David Moyes with Rafa Benitez.
The former Aston Villa striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the 62-year-old Spaniard has been “stealing a living in recent years”.
According to The Telegraph (15 January), West Ham are considering appointing a “short-term” option like Benitez as Moyes’ job hangs in the balance.
The report also mentions former Wolves and Tottenham boss Nuno Espirito Santo as someone on the Irons’ shortlist.
Benitez was sacked by Everton in January 2022 after winning just seven of his 22 matches in charge of the Merseysiders.
West Ham sit in the Premier League’s bottom three this season ahead of a crunch clash against Everton on Saturday (21 January) – with a loss meaning Moyes could be relieved of his duties.
Agbonlahor told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “There are a lot of clubs talking about protests.
“If you want protests at West Ham, the board should go out and get Benitez – I think there’d be riots outside the London Stadium.
“He’s stolen a living in recent years. He went to Everton for the money, even though he’s managed Liverpool.
“How can a manager who has been so poor in recent seasons be linked with a job like this?
“You’re better off bringing Mark Noble in and getting Kevin Nolan to help him out.
“I think the West Ham fans will protest if Benitez comes in. They’re not happy as it is, being in the bottom three.
“I think you’d see some ugly scenes. My advice to the board would be not to do it.”
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