Tim Steidten has taken a swipe at former West Ham manager David Moyes, claiming only truly “exceptional coaches” should have full control over transfers.
In a revealing interview with Transfermarkt, the club’s former technical director suggested Moyes wielded too much influence over squad building during his time in charge, and argued that proper structure (not total managerial control) is essential for clubs without endless financial resources.
West Ham Transfers and Moyes’ Role Under the Spotlight
Steidten didn’t name Moyes directly, but the implication was clear.
Reflecting on his short but eventful tenure at the club, he said: “Only exceptional coaches like Klopp, Guardiola or Arteta can be trusted with that level of autonomy. They work at clubs that have the money and infrastructure to support it.” The comment seems aimed at the model Moyes operated under at West Ham, where the manager reportedly had the final say on most incoming transfers.
Steidten emphasised that for clubs like West Ham, which rely heavily on coordination between scouting, development, and budget constraints, transfer power should never sit entirely with one person. “I’m a big fan of clear hierarchical structures with a managing director, sporting director, and coach,” he said. “The club must dictate the structure and style of play.”
Steidten’s Stressful Transfer Window at West Ham
Having joined West Ham in the summer of 2023 as technical director, Steidten oversaw one of the busiest windows in the club’s recent history. He described it as the “most stressful” period of his career, handling 12 transfers in just four weeks—sometimes even on match days.
“Sometimes there was even a match on deadline day,” he told Transfermarkt. “I wouldn’t wish that day on anyone.” His comments paint a picture of a frenzied structure lacking long-term planning or consistent coordination, something he feels could have been avoided with a stronger club-led model.
German Stability vs English Chaos in Transfers
Steidten also drew a clear contrast between working in German and English football. In Germany, he said, planning was more stable: “You could prepare and plan for issues much better because you were allowed to work within a certain budget,” he said. In England, emotions and shifting circumstances too often dictated decisions.
He noted that ownership models in England often complicate things. “Owners have invested a lot of money in their club,” he said. “They decide how much they want to spend and with whom they want to share this power.” That uncertainty, when paired with giving managers unchecked say over transfers, leads to inconsistency and pressure.
Related Article: Tim Steidten on West Ham Structure: “Like Night and Day” Compared to Leverkusen
Final Deals and a Quiet Exit
Steidten stayed in his role until February 2024, helping to bring in key players like Mohammed Kudus, Edson Álvarez, James Ward-Prowse, and Konstantinos Mavropanos. His final move was Carlos Soler’s loan switch from PSG.
While he never openly criticised Moyes by name, his message was unmistakable: clubs like West Ham should be guided by long-term planning, hierarchy, and a shared football identity—not left at the mercy of one man’s vision. As the club enters a new era, Steidten’s words may just shape how the next chapter is written.
In other West Ham news, a Tomas Soucek transfer may be on the cards as Everton are considering a £12m bid for the midfielder.
