Farhad Moshiri considers Vitor Pereira as his top-choice to replace Rafa Benitez as the next Everton manager, but some within the club’s board deem the Portuguese a ‘major gamble’.
That’s according to The Guardian, who report Pereira is emerging as the favourite for the Goodison Park job. Moshiri met the out-of-work coach with associate Alisher Usmanov for talks earlier this week, as he looks to find his sixth permanent managerial hire since 2016.
Everton have also spoken to Frank Lampard about succeeding Benitez on Merseyside as he targets a return to management. Some board members, including Chairman Bill Kenwright, also like the idea of hiring Wayne Rooney. But the Toffees have not spoken with Derby yet.
Moshiri would have to pay Derby compensation to appoint Rooney and secure his return to Goodison. But Everton could hire Pereira as their next manager for free as Fenerbahce fired the 53-year-old in December. He oversaw 25 games over five-months in charge for 11 wins.
Pereira had previously coached Fenerbahce in 2015/16 before stints with 1860 Munich and Shanghai Port. He also won the Portuguese title with Porto in ‘11/12 and ‘12/13 plus Greek title with Olympiacos in 2015. But he left Olympiacos for Fenerbahce after just five-months.
Everton board concerned over suitability of Moshiri’s top pick, Pereira
Pereira’s average time in a job since his first managerial role with Porto in 2011 has so far been 1.2-years. A spell with Everton may only last until the end of the season, as Moshiri could include a break clause should the Portuguese lead the Toffees to a shock relegation.
But Pereira has seemingly impressed Moshiri and Usmanov in talks over replacing Benitez as the next Everton manager. Even though some within the Blues board feel his hiring will signify a ‘major gamble’. They particularly fear for his lack of Premier League experience.
Everton chiefs also question Pereira’s suitability to be their next manager given his record at 1860 Munich. The former midfielder lasted just 20 games with the German side, in which he lost 11 to six wins. Die Lowen also suffered relegation to the third-tier under his watch.
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