Marcelo Bielsa tells Everton he DOESN’T WANT the job as manager – despite positive talks after flying in from Brazil – with Sean Dyche now in pole position
Marcelo Bielsa has told Everton he doesn’t want to take over at Goodison Park, despite holding positive talks with the club, Sportsmail understands.
The former Leeds United boss emerged as the Toffees’ top target to replace Frank Lampard, who was sacked earlier this week following one win from 14 matches, and jetted into London on Thursday for discussions with the club’s hierarchy.
Everton had already feared that Bielsa would reject the role over fears about the squad’s lack of pace amid their battle against relegation – with the team slipping to 19th in their turbulent season under Lampard.
Marcelo Bielsa has informed Everton he does not want to replace Frank Lampard as manager
Farhad Moshiri is looking to make a quick appointment with the Toffees in relegation trouble
And now the Argentinian is expected to tell the Everton board – led by majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri and chairman Bill Kenwright – that he does not want the role at this time and would prefer to take charge in July.
Everton need somebody in now though as they face an uphill battle to avoid slipping into the Championship.
Taking over in the summer would allow him to have a proper pre-season with the players and start from scratch rather than thrust himself into a difficult situation and risk having a relegation on his CV.
Bielsa’s teams are known for playing a high-energy style – which is why he holds reservations over Everton’s group of players – that takes hours on the training pitch to implement succcessfully.
Bielsa was pictured arriving in London on Thursday in exclusive pictures from Sportsmail
Former Burnley boss Sean Dyche is now in pole position for the job having also been high on the board’s list of candidates.
However, there is still work to be done to secure a deal – with the 51-year-old seeking a longer term contract.
Whoever does take the hot seat would also have to deal with the increasingly toxic atmosphere at the club, with fans venting their anger at Moshiri and the rest of the board in recent weeks.
Following a dismal run of results, supporters turned on…