Everton's search for a new manager has begun following the sacking of Frank Lampard, with a host of names being linked with the Goodison Park hotseat.
Lampard's departure was confirmed on Monday night following a poor run of results which saw the Blues win just one of their last 14 games in all competitions. They sit second-bottom of the Premier League, with a second successive relegation fight in the offing.
There has been no shortage of names being linked with Everton since news of Lampard's sacking broke on Monday afternoon. Former Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa is the favourite among many leading bookmakers, while Sean Dyche has also been touted as a possible option.
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As well as some familiar names to the Premier League, there are a few managers from further afield that have been linked with a move to Merseyside, among them Spanish manager Marcelino García Toral.
The experienced Marcelino is available after leaving Atletico Bilbao last year due to the elections for a new club president. With speculation surrounding his job for weeks, the veteran and his coaching staff made the decision to leave.
He addressed this during a news conference at the San Mames stadium. He explained: “We would have accepted to stay, but I am going because I feel the club doesn't give me the confidence that I need."
He added: "The decision was a war between my head and my heart. My heart says stay, but my head says you can't." His actions fall in line with his strict management style as he needs players, coaches and the board all aligned with his ideas in order to achieve success.
Having left Bilbao at the end of last season, Marcelino has taken time out of the game to enjoy watching football again. In an interview with Sid Lowe, the Spaniard explained: “There is a difference in watching and analysing.” The 57-year-old has reportedly turned down opportunities from Sevilla and Marseille, and is clearly in no rush to begin a new job.
However, he also stated: “The right thing will happen at the right place and right time: destiny puts you in X place … and if not, well, then maybe we’ll rethink.”
Having worked in the Spanish leagues his entire managerial career, it could be possible that he looks for a new challenge elsewhere. Marcelino has expressed his desire to be Spain’s national coach one day, saying: “For any Spanish coach, the national team is the greatest dream there is … God willing it can happen one day, whether in a year, two years or 10.”
Marcelino’s end goal is clear but his future in the meantime could be the Premier League and Everton.
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