Benitez successor search gathers pace as shock new name emerges for Everton post
Everton are reportedly considering a shock swoop for Roma boss Jose Mourinho as their search for a new manager continues.
The Toffees parted company with Rafa Benitez on Sunday after the Spaniard paid the price for a dreadful run of results. His appointment was never universally welcomed and a section of the fans turned on the former Liverpool tactician. Many names have been mentioned in connection with the Goodison Park hotseat, with Roberto Martinez the early favourite.
However, that door has now been closed as he looks set to lead the Belgium national side into this year’s World Cup. Duncan Ferguson is now working in a caretaker role until a permanent manager is in place.
Former Blues striker Wayne Rooney is among the frontrunners. And ex-Chelsea chief Frank Lampard is also thought to be under consideration.
But it is the name of Mourinho that will have the Everton faithful talking. The Portuguese, who is in his first season at Roma, was linked with Everton back in December.
He has guided the Eternal City outfit to seventh in the Serie A table. But, 15 points off table-topping Inter, a title challenge is out of the question.
The 58-year-old has won nearly everything the game has to offer as a manager. But he is a divisive figure and has struggled in his past few jobs in England.
A second stint at Chelsea did see him lift the Premier League trophy but he was sacked the following season.
Spells at Manchester United and Tottenham followed. He won the Europa League with the Red Devils but it was not a harmonious time for the club.
Mourinho fell out with the likes of Paul Pogba while humiliating Luke Shaw at times. It was no surprise when he was sacked.
Mourinho living on past memories
The former Sporting coach was back in English football a year later as Spurs took a punt. That also proved the wrong appointment and he lasted just 18 months.
A move back to Italy looked set to revive his career but his side is once again down among the also-rans.
Everton do not seem overly concerned and are said to have added him to their list of candidates, per Sky Sports. However, the report adds that no contact has been made with the ex-Real Madrid boss.
Farhad Moshiri is reportedly readying a move for the experienced coach. Whether he would be willing to join a struggling club is open to debate.
Everton are down in 16th spot in the table – just six points above the drop zone. But the club is the proverbial sleeping giant and a project that might excite the two-time Champions League winner.
Mourinho has won multiple trophies in his career but negativity and controversy have dogged him in recent years.
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