The Independent claim Everton have added Ralph Hasenhuttl to their managerial shortlist after making the decision to sack Frank Lampard this week, while also opening talks to bring in Marcelo Bielsa – a year on from his Leeds sacking.
In a strange turn of events, it could be Bielsa that replaces Lampard. The two managers at the thick of the Spygate scandal in 2019, that saw Bielsa admit to sending spies to Derby’s training ground to keep an eye on Lampard’s men.
Lampard has now been sacked by Everton. It comes after a woeful 2-0 defeat to fellow strugglers West Ham, leaving the Toffees in 19th place in the Premier League. The belief is that it is not all Lampard’s fault, but he has hardly helped.
Talks are underway to bring in Bielsa – a manager that Gary Neville would excite fans at Goodison Park. But, he is not the only manager on the shortlist. Hasenhuttl is also a contender as per the Independent, after his Southampton exit.
Everton add Hasenhuttl to manager shortlist after Lampard sacking
Hasenhuttl spent almost four years at Southampton as manager, clocking up 173 appearances as boss in both league and cup. He won 59 times, keeping the Saints in the Premier League and instilling an identity, a real faith in youth.
But he was replaced by Nathan Jones towards the end of 2022 after a bad run of form. Jones has since picked up that form, but the decision to sack Hasenhuttl, 55, was considered a surprise one. He has been out of a job since his exit.
A move to Everton is seen as a difficult gig. A recent history of bad spending has left the club feeling the cost, failing to invest in the market due to Financial Fairplay. As things stand, they look destined to suffer relegation from the top tier.
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