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Why this experienced Spanish tactician could be the man to save West Ham’s sinking ship

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Rafa Benitez

Why Benitez could be the man to save a sinking West Ham ship

According to a report by Daily Mirror, West Ham could appoint Rafa Benitez if they sack under-fire manager Manuel Pellegrini.

Pellegrini’s future at the east London side is hanging in the balance, as the Hammers are placed just two places adrift of the relegation zone.

Rafa Benitez.
Rafa Benitez. (Getty Images)

A six-match winless streak has put the 66-year-old under the scanner and he could be facing the axe unless he finds a solution to end their prevailing woes.

If the current slump continues, the Chilean may soon be replaced by Benitez, who currently manages Chinese Super League side Dalian Yifang, according to Daily Mirror.

Benitez, who came close to signing a deal with the Hammers in 2015, has ample experience when it comes to managing a Premier League side.

West Ham boss Manuel Pellegrini is under the scanner after his side's poor displays this season.
West Ham boss Manuel Pellegrini is under the scanner after his side’s poor displays this season. (Getty Images)

It would not be a difficult task for the Hammers’ board to persuade Benitez, whose family resides in Wirral, Merseyside, as claimed by the Guardian.

The Spaniard also recently stated that his future still lies in Europe, meaning a move back to England could be on the cards.  

After a rather tumultuous three-year stint with Newcastle, he left St James Park upon the expiry of his contract earlier this year.

Benitez while managing Newcastle United.
Benitez while managing Newcastle United. (Getty Images)

From a total of 146 matches, the Spaniard registered 62 wins, 54 losses and 30 draws.

However, it is with Liverpool that the 59-year-old shares his best memories. He helped the Reds gain European glory in the 2004-05 season at Istanbul.

The match witnessed one of the greatest comebacks by the Merseyside club against a formidable AC Milan unit.

Rafa Benitez during a premier league encounter.
Rafa Benitez during a premier league encounter. (Getty Images)

The very next year, he helped them win the FA Cup – their last one to date. His involvement with other English sides has not been as fruitful as his time with the Reds, though he won the Europa League title with Chelsea in the 2012-13 season.

However, it was a rather short period of seven months for the Spaniard at Stamford Bridge. The Spaniard burst onto the scene after a stellar performance with Valencia in the Spanish top-flight, where he won the La Liga title twice.

Benitez, who served his longest term as a manager with the Reds, won 197 games, drew 74 and lost 79 from a total of 350 matches, which also proved to be his most successful period as a manager.

Benitez in full flow during a premier league game.
Benitez in full flow during a premier league game. (Getty Images)

Though many elite clubs such as Real Madrid, Inter Milan and Napoli have appointed him since then, he was unable to emulate the feat he achieved at Anfield.

Verdict

By all means, Benitez is a more accomplished manager than Pellegrini. The mere number of trophies in his cabinet does justify that fact.

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However, Pellegrini has won a Premier League title which has long eluded the Spaniard.

After his rather average display with the Magpies last season, Benitez could be the one to save a sinking West Ham from getting relegated.

Arsenal Dragon

Andriani Michael: Jack Wilshere Wife, net worth, career, kids, and family

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Andriani Michael is a housekeeper known for being the wife of one of the most underrated mid-fielders, Jack Andrew Garry Wilshere.

Michael comes from England, and she is known for being the partner of the youngest-ever debutant in the premier league Jack Wilshere.

Andriani Michael Facts 

Birth PlaceEngland 
Father’s NameMichael Michael 
Mother’s NameNA 
Star SignGemini
Net Worth (2023)$59 million 
Salary (2023)NA 
Age32
Date of BirthMay 22, 1991 
University NA 
NationalityEnglish 
SpouseJack Wilshere
Children4 Children 
Social MediaInstagram,

Andriani Michael and Jack Wilshere Families 

Andriani was born on May 22, 1991, in England, and she is the daughter of Michael, a barber who owns a barbershop in Cockfosters. Nothing much has been disclosed about the rest of her family.

Andriani Michael with her husband Jack Wilshere. (Credits: Instagram)
Andriani Michael with her husband Jack Wilshere. (Credits: Instagram)

Jack Wilshere was born in Stevenage, Hertfordshire, on January 1, 1992, to father Andrew Wilshere and mother, Kerry Wilshere. He captained The Priory School football team to Country Cup and District Cup glory from Year 7 to Year 10.

Andriani Michael’s husband, Jack Wilshere

Jack joined the Arsenal academy in October 2001 at the age of nine and rose through the ranks at the age of 15. He was then named captain of the U-16s and made a few appearances for the Under-18s.

Jack Wilshere of England during Soccer Aid for Unicef 2023 at Old Trafford on June 11, 2023 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images)
Jack Wilshere of England during Soccer Aid for Unicef 2023 at Old Trafford on June 11, 2023 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images)

Wilshere made his first-team debut in 2008 by becoming the youngest ever league debutant at 16 years, 256 days. He is without a club currently and is training with Arsenal’s first team to keep himself fit while looking for a new club. Wilshere has earned many accolades, including the PFA Young Player of the Year and Arsenal’s Player of the Season award.

Jack has played International football for England and has represented the country under-16, under-17, and under-18. And under-21 levels. He is also the 12th youngest debutant in England’s history at just the age of 18.

Andriani Michael and Jack Wilshere Kids

Jack was first in a relationship with Lauren Neal and has two kids with her, Archie and Delilah Wilshere, born in 2011 and 2013. He met Andriani in her father’s barbershop after breaking up with his former girlfriend, Lauren. 

Jack Wilshere with his family (Instagram)

Jack and Andriani fell in love with each other, and the couple tied the knot in 2017 in a three-day bash in Italy. They gave birth to their first baby Siena Wilshere, the second daughter of Jack, and In February 2020, they welcomed another boy, who has the same name as his father, Jack Wilshere.

Andriani Michael Profession, Career, Net Worth 

Andriani is a housekeeper and maintains a shallow profile on the internet, especially on social media. She does have an Instagram, but it is private. 

Jack Wilshire of England is seen prior to the UEFA EURO 2016 Group B match between England and Wales at Stade Bollaert-Delelis on June 16, 2016 in Lens, France.  (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
Jack Wilshire of England is seen prior to the UEFA EURO 2016 Group B match between England and Wales at Stade Bollaert-Delelis on June 16, 2016 in Lens, France. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

Nothing is disclosed about her professional life, but She and Jack have an estimated net worth of $60 million.

FAQs about Andriani Michael 

When did Andriani Michael and Jack Wilshere get married?
They got married in 2017.
What is Andriani doing now?
She is Housekeeper
How old is Andriani?
Andriani is 32 years old 
Nationality of Andriani?
Andriani Michael is an English 
What is Andriani’s net worth?
They have an estimated net worth of $59 million.

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Report: Celtic dealt blow in pursuit of 19-year-old Serie A ace

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Aaron Hickey of Hearts holds off Karamoko Dembele of Celtic during the Ladbrokes Scottish Premiership match between Celtic and Hearts at Celtic Park on May 19, 2019 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Getty Images)

Celtic dealt major blow in pursuit of Bologna star Aaron Hickey

According to La Nazione (h/t Daily Record), Fiorentina have intensified negotiations with fellow Serie A club Bologna for the signing of Celtic target Aaron Hickey, dealing a blow to the Hoops.

Hickey started out at the academy of Scottish club Heart of Midlothian FC and briefly spent time at Celtic as well before returning to Hearts, where he graduated to the first-team and went on to make 34 senior appearances.

The young left-back, who scored and assisted one goal apiece for his boyhood club, was snapped up by Serie A side Bologna in the summer of last year. Hickey did not feature regularly for the Serie A outfit due to injury problems. Indeed, the 19-year-old featured in just 12 games throughout the 2020/21 season.

Greg Stewart of Rangers vies with Aaron Hickey of Heart of Midlothian during the Ladbrokes Premiership match between Rangers and Hearts at Ibrox Stadium on December 01, 2019 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Getty Images)
Aaron Hickey (L) during his time at Hearts

But his stock remains high as ever, as Celtic are intent on bringing him back to Scotland this summer. The Hoops, embarking on a new journey under new manager Ange Postecoglou, are looking to bolster their defensive department.

Having decided not to sign Diego Laxalt permanently, Celtic have just Boli Bolingoli and Greg Taylor as options at left-back, with the former unsure of a future after returning from loan. So, signing someone like Hickey, who can make the spot his own for the coming years, would have been a good move.

However, Fiorentina seem to have thrown a spanner in the works for Celtic as the Serie A side have upped their efforts to land the youngster from Bologna. Indeed, it is reported that La Viola have intensified negotiations over a move, although they will have to offer at least €5m to stand a chance of signing the teenager.

Ange Postecoglou is the new Celtic manager (GETTY Images)
Ange Postecoglou is the new Celtic manager (GETTY Images)

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Bologna are in no hurry to sell Hickey and will wait for the highest bid as they look to maximise their profits. It is now up to Celtic to step up in their pursuit of the 19-year-old or risk missing out on him.

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Transfer News: PL side enter race to sign 25-year-old Rangers star

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Glen Kamara in action for Rangers. (Getty Images)

Transfer News: Rangers star Glen Kamara wanted by Everton

According to transfer news from Eurosport (h/t Glasgow Live), Premier League club Everton have entered the race to sign Glen Kamara from Scottish champions Rangers this summer.

Kamara started out his youth football in his homeland, Finland, before switching to England in 2011 when he signed for the Southend United academy. A year later, he was snapped up by Premier League giants Arsenal, where he rose through the youth ranks but couldn’t break into the first-team.

Glen Kamara during his time at Dundee. (Getty Images)
Glen Kamara during his time at Dundee. (Getty Images)

After loan spells away at Southend United and Colchester United, Kamara left Arsenal permanently in the summer of 2017, signing for Scottish club Dundee FC. The 25-year-old Finnish midfielder rose to prominence with the club and was picked up by Steven Gerrard’s Rangers in the winter transfer window of 2019.

During his two-and-a-half-year stay at the Ibrox Stadium, Kamara has developed into one of the best midfielders on show in the Scottish Premiership. The Finland star played an integral role in the Gers’ title victory last season as he racked up over 50 appearances in all competitions, scoring and assisting a couple of goals apiece. (h/t Transfermarkt)

However, Kamara’s time at the Ibrox Stadium could be drawing towards a close, with Everton joining a number of other clubs in pursuit of the ex-Arsenal youngster. Indeed, the likes of Watford and Brentford have already shown an interest in the 25-year-old while an unnamed Russian club is also keen, with the Toffees also joining the bandwagon. (h/t Glasgow Live)

Glen Kamara in action for Rangers. (Getty Images)
Glen Kamara in action for Rangers. (Getty Images)

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Given how important Kamara has been for Rangers in his time at the club, his potential departure would come as a blow. However, with his contract expiring in two years and with so many teams interested, this also represents the Gers best chance of making good money from his sale, which they can reinvest in the squad.

With a transfer fee of £15m being mentioned, the Light Blues could stand to make a massive profit, having signed him for a measly £50k in 2019.

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