Former Poland international Radoslaw Kaluzny has laughed off claims suggesting Paulo Sousa could have become the new manager of Premier League outfit Aston Villa, speaking to Przeglad Sportowy.
We’d imagine that Kaluzny was not the only one performing a perfectly executed spit-take over his morning Cornflakes when speculation emerged suggesting Sousa was in contention for the Aston Villa job.
After the sacking of Dean Smith – and before the appointment of Steven Gerrard – reports in Italy suggested that the Midland giants were considering a move for the 51-year-old Iberian.
Now, on one hand, this was a guy with a proven track record in British football, a coach who has lifted trophies in three different countries.
On the other, Sousa hasn’t worked in Britain since a short-lived spell at Leicester 11 years ago and the only silverware on his managerial CV was secured in China, Hungary and Israel.
Oh the power of perspective.
Sousa has hardly set the world alight since taking over the Polish national team in January either, finishing bottom of their group at the European Championships before edging out Albania in their World Cup qualifying group.
Did Aston Villa really consider Poland manager Paulo Sousa?
“The Premier League is waiting for Sousa to finish the job with our national team? And then (English clubs) will go after him? Please…” quips Kaluzny, who made 41 appearances in nine years as a Poland international.
“I don’t know who produces such stories. Unless for around 200 euros. Barcelona wanted me but there was one problem… they didn’t know I existed.”
Sousa was not the only international coach linked with the Aston Villa job before former Rangers boss Gerrard signed a three-and-a-half-year deal.
Villa were also reported to be eyeing up with Denmark’s Kasper Hjulmand while, according to reports in Belgium, Roberto Martinez turned down the job.
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