Former Olympiakos manager Pedro Martins is ‘interested’ in a move to England as Premier League strugglers Wolverhampton Wanderers scour the market for a man capable of taking over from the sacked Bruno Lage, according to the Express and Star.
Available right here, right now. Boasting an impressive track record at a European level. A proven winner with connections to the Molineux board. One already well-known to a few members of the current Wolves squad?
Yes, Pedro Martins certainly ticks a lot of boxes as far as Wolves’ managerial search is concerned. If not all of them.
Unlike Sergio Conceicao or Ruben Amorim, for instance, the 52-year-old can be snapped up immediately without the need for a substantial compensation fee to be forked over. He was sacked, more-than-a-little harshly, by Olympiakos a couple of weeks ago despite guiding the Greek giants to three successive Super League titles, while playing a key role in the development of both Jose Sa and Daniel Podence.
Could Pedro Martins replace Bruno Lage at Wolves?
According to the Express and Star, Wolves are unlikely to face many obstacles if they decide to make Martins their number one choice following the sacking of Bruno Lage on Sunday. The one-time Braga boss, a native Portuguese speaker, has links with super-agent Jorge Mendes. And, thus, Wolves’ Chinese owners, Fosun International.
The well-travelled Iberian is reportedly keen on the idea of working alongside compatriots Goncalo Guedes, Matheus Nunes, Ruben Neves, Joao Moutinho and co in the Black Country. He recently turned down a move to ambitious Championship outfit Hull City.
“Of course, he is ready (to coach at the very highest level),” former Olympiakos playmaker Podence once said of a man who took his game to an all-new level before that £16.6 million move to Molineux nearly three years ago.
The admiration between player and coach goes both ways too.
“His free spirit makes him very strong in one-v-one situations,” Martins said of Wolves’ number ten, returning the compliment.
“I believe he is ready (for the top) and I think Jose Sa also. He’s extraordinary.”
Former Watford boss Javi Gracia is reportedly another in contention at Wolves. Ditto Carlos Carvalhal. Amorim, meanwhile, would cost £20 million if Wolves want to release him from his Sporting Lisbon contract (The Sun).
Struggling Wolves face a daunting trip to Chelsea next weekend. They are currently in 18th place, with just one win from six matches. No team has fewer than their three goals. Diego Costa did, at least, look sharp off the bench at West Ham on Saturday.
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