Wolves and Nottingham Forest were both rejected by Marcelino earlier in 2022 – now, Spain could hire him to replace Luis Enrique.
What’s the story?
Well, it was Pedro Morata who told Directo Gol that Wolves and Nottingham Forest both made attempts to hire the 57-year-old amid doubts over Bruno Lage and Steve Cooper respectively.
The journalist said: “As far as I have absolutely confirmed, Marcelino has turned down the possibility of coaching Brighton and Nottingham Forest.
“Jorge Mendes phoned Marcelino’s people for Wolverhampton. All three clubs were told no by Marcelino. I think Marcelino is waiting in case Enrique does not continue in the Spanish national team as coach of Spain. He wants to be Spain coach.”
Wolves ended up hiring Julen Lopetegui – who left the Spanish national team for Real Madrid before Enrique was hired as his replacement – while Nottingham Forest opted to hand Cooper a new contract.
Now, Marcelino could get his wish to manage Spain, after Enrique oversaw a shock exit from the World Cup in the Round of 16 – according to El Larguero, he is one of the main candidates.
The 52-year-old watched in agony as his side failed to score a single penalty against Morocco in the shootout, after drawing 0-0 with the African side after 120 minutes.
Spain ended up losing 3-0 in the shootout, meaning they have now crashed out of both the 2018 World Cup in Russia, and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, at the Round of 16 stage.
Marcelino right to reject Wolves & Nottingham Forest
At the time, Marcelino took a risk when rejecting Wolves and Nottingham Forest in favour of keeping himself available for the Spain job.
Enrique had done well with the Spanish national team, reaching the semi-final of EURO 2020, and few people could have foreseen another Round of 16 exit at this World Cup.
Nevertheless, it now seems as if a vacancy could crop up, justifying Marcelino’s decision to reject a number of approaches from the Premier League.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
