Former Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa could become Everton’s next manager
By Evan Curnew
After sacking Frank Lampard, Everton look set to make a move for Marcelo Bielsa to help steer the team out of relegation
According to David Ornstein of The Athletic, Everton’s owner Farhad Moshiri is fond of Marcelo Bielsa and is considered a legitimate candidate. Ornstein also mentions that there is uncertainty if the rest of the decision-makers on Everton’s board share the same interest.
The news comes the same day as the confirmation of Frank Lampard’s departure from Everton. It was reported by The Top Flight over a week ago that Lampard was on the brink of being sacked after 2-1 loss to Southampton at Goodison Park.
Marcelo Bielsa has been out of management since February of 2022, after being sacked by Leeds United. At the time of the sacking they sat 16th in Premier League table. Initially, when Bielsa was let go there was some disappointment from Leeds fans as the Argentina gaffer had developed a well-respected philosophy at the club which saw them get promoted from the Championship in 2020.
Bielsa has an impressive manegerial resume which has spanded 3 decades. Bielsa first made his name with boyhood club Newell’s Old Boys and later on becoming manager of the Argentina national team, winning an Olympic gold in 2004 and a runner-up for the Copa America. Bielsa first made his mark in Europe with Athletic Bilbao where the Basque side under his coaching reached the Europa League Final in 2012. After several other endeavours in Europe, Bielsa ultimately landed at Leeds United when they were still in the EFL Championship. Bielsa’s energetic style of play saw the Yorkshire side take the second tier of England by storm and winning the league in 2020. After a poor run of form in the 21-22 Premier League season, Leeds made the decision to go a different direction, relieving Bielsa of his mangerial dutie.s
Could Bielsa work at Goodison Park?
It’s a question that given his departure at Leeds would make people lean towards unlikely. Bielsa is well known for having his team relentlessly press the opposition, needing players with high levels of stamina in the squad for it to work. Such an attacking-minded style of play that follows a very strict set of tactics allows for teams to eventually find them out and counter against the pressing. In other words it can work but perhaps in an environment like Everton’s at the moment, where the team needs to get the appointment right, such a risky style of play may not be the best choice.
It remains to be seen whether or not Bielsa will become the lone front runner as Everton’s new gaffer but given Moshiri’s interest, he is one to keep an eye on.