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EXCLUSIVE: Marcelo Bielsa is Everton’s No. 1 choice to replace Frank Lampard after his sacking, and the Toffees hope the former Leeds and Argentina manager can repeat the magic that reinvigorated Elland Road
Everton are seriously considering calling on Marcelo Bielsa, and the former Leeds United manager is their favorite option to replace Frank Lampard.
Toffees majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri sacked Lampard in a phone call today and the club are now hoping Bielsa can revive the atmosphere at Goodison Park in the same way he did with Leeds.
Argentine manager Bielsa, 67, rescued Leeds from a 16-year absence from the Premier League, working his magic to reinvigorate the club and steer it to promotion within two seasons in charge.
Former Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa is now one of the favorites to take charge of Everton
Toffees’ majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri (left) fired Lampard in a phone call on Monday.
He then led them to a ninth-place finish in his first season back in the top flight.
He has been out of work since last February, despite a series of other offers, and maintains ‘hero’ status at Elland Road and with his former club Newell’s Old Boys, who have named their stadium after him.
His fast-paced style of football is seen as the way forward in a relegation battle that has turned toxic for the club.
Bielsa will demand support in the transfer market and new signings while Everton fight to survive.
A transfer strategy is being considered and Bielsa will need convincing before he agrees to take over and return to the Premier League.
Marcelo Bielsa and West Ham manager David Moyes have also been linked to the vacancy.
Despite a poor track record with MLS fighters DC United, Rooney is among the bookmakers’ favourites.
Bielsa is likely to be seen as a popular arrival among Toffee supporters, given his attacking style that is likely to win over fans who have been frustrated by their team’s demise this season.
Everton are just two points from safety with just 15 points from 20 Premier League games this term.
Although Bielsa is Everton’s first choice, former Burnley manager Sean Dyche remains the favorite to take over, just ahead of Bielsa, according to bookies.
Other managers in contention include former striker Wayne Rooney, as well as former boss David Moyes, who are also in contention for sensational returns to Goodison Park.
Another former Toffee Duncan Ferguson is among those named, along with former manager Sam Allardyce, who steered the club back from relegation once before.
Everton currently sit 19th in the Premier League table, level on points with bottom club Southampton.
The Toffees are winless in 10 games in all competitions and have lost four straight.
Everton have collected just five points from a possible 36 since picking up back-to-back league victories in September and October.
Lampard leaves with a winning percentage of just 27.3, with 12 wins from his 44 matches in all competitions.
Everton supporters have protested against the board in recent games following a frustrating period for the club that has seen them embroiled in another relegation battle.
Frank Lampard has been sacked as Everton manager after Saturday’s dismal defeat at West Ham
Lampard spoke with Moshiri, chairman Bill Kenwright and Kevin Thelwell, Everton’s director of football, on Sunday after a 2-0 loss to West Ham, Everton’s 11th loss in their last 14 games in all competitions.
He was aware that appetite for the manager change had increased, but was uncertain what direction the club might take, as some conversations he had with Moshiri centered on his views on recruiting.
Everton’s poor form on the pitch has also been marred by fan protests off the pitch towards the club’s deeply unpopular board, with the likes of Yerry Mina and Anthony Gordon also confronted by angry fans after the loss to Southampton. earlier this month.