Walter Mazzarri was deeply unpopular amongst most Watford supporters by the end of last season – but will Everton really grant him a Premier League return?
Carlo Ancelotti’s sudden sacking at Bayern Munich has had more than a few Everton fans pleading on social media for the three-time Champions League winner to rock up at Goodison Park.
Instead, however, it seems Everton have turned their attention to another Italian with Ronald Koeman’s future coming under increasing scrutiny. The Sun reports that The Toffees are already sounding out replacements for the under-fire Dutchman – and former Watford manager Walter Mazzarri has emerged as a stunning frontrunner.
Now, the 56-year-old is a highly respected tactician in his native Italy having previously managed both Napoli and Inter. He has even been tipped to spearhead AC Milan’s rejvination project with Vincenzo Montella coming under pressure.
Mazzarri is rather less revered on English shores, however, following a season-long spell at Watford reminiscent for high-profile bust-ups with key players, a refusal to speak English in press conferences and an alarming late-season slump which saw The Hornets finish once place above the drop zone.
By the final day of the season, viewers were left in no uncertain terms of the general feeling towards Mazzarri from Watford supporters. One homemade poster with the rather crude message ‘Goodbye – we don’t want you’ rather summed up the apathy even before Manchester City ran riot at Vicarage Road.
Therefore, Watford fans are understandably a little bemused by reports that Mazzarri could be handed the reigns to a hugely ambitious Everton side.
By the way, see if you can spot the sarcasm.
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