Zenit sacked coach Luciano Spalletti last night. Could his availability interest several Premier League clubs?
The Italian spent five years at the Russian club and won two league titles, as well as one Russian cup.
But the 55-year-old has now been dispensed with and, after admitting he would be interested in the AC Milan job in January, Spalletti has now gone from a man in demand to a man without a job.
Nevertheless, Zenit’s loss could be the Premier League’s gain, as the Italian’s availability may just turn heads on these shores.
West Brom
The most obvious destination for the experienced manager is West Brom, whose current boss Pepe Mel has fallen under increasing scrutiny after seven winless games in charge.
The Baggies have already been linked with the likes of Alan Curbishley, as well as former Wolves boss Dave Jones, but were Spalletti available, chairman Jeremy Peace might consider a swift change.
It is slightly more debatable whether a coach with Champions League experience would be attracted by the prospect of a relegation dogfight – but we have seen similar examples in the past.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer left a title-winning team in Norway to join Cardiff earlier this season, while Fulham boss Felix Magath is a two-time Bundesliga winner from his time as Bayern Munich coach.
Tottenham
A club that may be of a more appealing size to the 55-year-old is Spurs, who could use Spalletti’s sacking as the chance to negotiate a deal to bring him to White Hart Lane.
Conflicting reports have suggested that Tottenham chief executive Daniel Levy is, on the one hand, intent on replacing Tim Sherwood with Louis Van Gaal and, on the other, keen to keep Sherwood in north London.
The advantage of Spalletti’s availability, however, means that Spurs can put a deal in place with no strings attached, unlike Van Gaal at Netherlands and Cesare Prandelli at Italy, whose current jobs make them harder to reach. Whether Tottenham would want the Italian in charge is another story.
Newcastle United
Newcastle owner Mike Ashley has remained firmly behind Alan Pardew through thick and thin, making a move to sack the 52-year-old rather unlikely.
But should Pardew face a heavy penalty from the FA, perhaps a stadium ban or even a complete ban from football – as some reports have suggested – Ashley could get rather creative.
Indeed, 55-year-old Spalletti could easily be brought in at St James’ park in a role similar to Alan Curbishley at Fulham – or dare I say Joe Kinnear.
Neither succeeded in their technical roles at their respective clubs but, with Pardew likely to face a huge ban, Spalletti could be hired to do the main managerial work on the touchline until the Magpies boss returns to duty.
Will we be seeing Luciano Spalletti in the Premier League this season?
image: © hisgett
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