Backlash from supporters has Vitor Pereira reconsidering his interest in becoming the next Everton manager, freeing Frank Lampard to be the new favourite to replace Rafa Benitez.
That’s according to the Daily Mail, who report Pereira is having second-thoughts on moving to Merseyside. The out-of-work coach had approached Toffees Chairman Bill Kenwright to express an interest in replacing Benitez. He also spoke to Farhad Moshiri earlier this week.
But some Blues supporters have already protested the idea of Pereira taking over. Graffiti has appeared outside Goodison Park, reading: ‘Pereira out, Lampard in’. The Portuguese is saddened by the message, with fans judging him for his prior record without knowing him.
Pereira left his last position in December when Fenerbahce fired the 53-year-old after just five-months in charge. He had previously spent three-years with Chinese Super League side Shanghai Port, after five-months with 1860 Munich which led to relegation to the third-tier.
Lampard now favourite over Pereira to be next Everton manager
Pereira is now reconsidering his approach to replace Benitez, clearing Lampard to become Everton’s next manager. Moshiri deemed the Portuguese his first-choice, per The Guardian. Also, The Sun note he has reservations on Wayne Rooney, who would be Kenwright’s pick.
Lampard, meanwhile, has Everton CEO Denise Barrett-Baxendale’s support to become their next manager over Moshiri’s choice, Pereira. The Daily Mail add she is pushing to hire the former Derby County and Chelsea head coach, along with others in the Blues’ board.
The England icon, like Pereira, is out of work, having remained unattached since Chelsea sacked him last January. He won 44 of his 84 matches with the Stamford Bridge outfit in all competitions. The 43-year-old also won 26 of 57 with the Rams in his first managerial role.
Lampard also impressed former Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas with what he achieved at Derby. He took the Rams to the Championship play-off final in his sole year.
“I think he has done a really impressive job,” Fabregas said, via the Derby Telegraph. “It’s his first ever job, he changed many things… He played a really aggressive style, attacking football. Really for a first ever job, I think he has done really well.”
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