Darren Ambrose has told talkSPORT that it is ‘shocking’ Vitor Pereira held an interview to discuss his interest and meetings with Everton over possibly becoming their next manager.
Pereira spoke live on Sky Sports News, in which he confirmed meeting Blues owner Farhad Moshiri and Chairman Bill Kenwright. He also met other members of the Toffees board to debate taking over the vacant hot seat Rafa Benitez occupied.
The Portuguese is among the leading candidates to replace Benitez at Goodison Park after the Spaniard’s sacking earlier this month. Moshiri fired the 61-year-old after 22 games in charge, returning seven wins and four draws in all competitions.
Pereira believes his interviews with Moshiri and Kenwright over becoming the next Everton manager were positive. But the 53-year-old is still waiting for the Blues’ final decision, with other candidates – like Frank Lampard – also in contention.
Both Lampard and Pereira are currently out of work after leaving their respective previous jobs in January and December 2021. Chelsea sacked Lampard to hire Thomas Tuchel early in the year. While Fenerbache fired Pereira after just 25 games following his July arrival.
Ambrose questions Pereira rationale behind interview over Everton meetings
Pereira told Sky Sports that Moshiri was ‘grateful’ that he had interviewed for the vacant Everton manager’s position. The Toffees majority owner also said ‘just to wait and be calm’ while the Goodison board deliberate their next appointment.
But former Crystal Palace midfielder Ambrose could not understand his rationale behind a public interview mid-process. Although the talkSPORT pundit also suspects Pereira may have impressed Moshiri and co by expressing his hunger for the role.
“It was surprising,” Ambrose said. “Unless he’s been told something or he knows he’s got that job, who’s allowed him to have this interview? It’s refreshing and honest from someone who doesn’t even know if they’ve got the job yet.
“We talk about Pereira – Porto and Olympiakos – he’s managed for a very long time. He’s experienced and clearly confident in his own ability.
“If he’s gone into the interview and expressed his passion for Everton, he will have impressed. But to go out and have this interview for 25-minutes, it’s shocking.”
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