Aston Villa appear to have identified David Wagner as they primary target as they aim to salvage their season in the second tier, but not everyone is a fan.
Former Aston Villa striker Garry Thompson has told Radio WM, reported by the Birmingham Mail, that David Wagner is not the right man to take over the fallen giants.
Owner Dr Tony Xia dispensed with the services of Roberto Di Matteo (below) on Monday after just 124 days in charge, the Italian leaving Villa closer to the relegation zone than the play-off positions after just one win in 11 Championship games.
The likes of promotion specialist Steve Bruce and former Leicester City manager Nigel Pearson have been heavily linked with the vacant Villa Park hotseat, and Thompson believes the club should consider a more experienced coach to salvage their season.
“David Wagner has done exceptionally well on his own,” the 56-year-old, who enjoyed the best years of his career with Villa between 1986 and 1988, told Radio WM, as reported by the Birmingham Mail.
“I am just wary of grabbing someone who is doing really well, they need someone who is doing really well over a period of time.
“He is probably the pick of the six names that have been linked, but it’s too early.”
Wagner, a former assistant to Jurgen Klopp at Dortmund, has lead unfancied Huddersfield to the top of the Championship table, marking him out as one of the most exciting managerial talents on the market.
However, the Terriers represent the German-born American’s only experience in senior management, and Villa may require a safer pair of hands as they aim to recover a dismal start to the season.
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