Former Denmark international Morten Bruun believes Kasper Hjulmand will not replace Rafa Benitez at Premier League strugglers Everton, speaking to Ekstra Bladet.
They certainly can pick ‘em, Mainz.
From Jurgen Klopp to Thomas Tuchel and now the highly-regarded Bo Svensson, the Bundesliga outfit certainly have a track record when it comes to identifying talented, up-and-coming tacticians.
Hjulmand’s time in Western Germany didn’t exactly go to plan, sacked after just 24 games.
But the 49-year-old Dane, like Klopp and Tuchel before him, has matured like a bottle of the finest Spätburgunder since cutting his coaching teeth at the MEWA Arena.
And, according to BT, Everton sounded out the Superliga-winning tactician as a potential replacement for the now-departed Rafa Benitez as far back as December.
But, after distancing himself from the Aston Villa job recently, luring Hjulmand away will be no easy task.
Hjulmand said only a few weeks ago that he is ‘super happy’ in his current role, having led Denmark to the Qatar World Cup in emphatic fashion.
Who will replace Rafa Benitez as Everton manager?
“I do not think he will (leave for Everton) right now,” says Bruun, who played for Denmark in the 1990s.
“I imagine, right now, he will think it’s the wrong time to say goodbye to the national team. Even though Everton are an attractive job.
“And in terms of salary, they will easily be able to outcompete the DBU (Danish Football Federation).
“It does not surprise me that he is mentioned over there (at Everton). But it will really surprise me if he will be interested in the job.”
According to Sky Sports, Everton legend Wayne Rooney is one of the leading candidates to take over from Benitez.
Rooney has done a remarkable job in grim circumstances at crisis-hit Derby County. A reminder; take away Derby’s 21-point deduction and this cash-strapped, hodge-podge side would be a top-half Championship team at present.
Frank Lampard, Graham Potter and Rudi Garcia are also in contention.
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