Marcelo Bielsa has informed Everton in no uncertain terms that their team does not have the pace to play the way he wants and that is what they need tp prioritise before the transfer window closes, if at all he is to replace Frank Lampard as the club’s manager.
The highly-revered Argentine tactician has already exchanged words with the club with the understanding that he has provided a break-down of the squad, with his primary concern being a lack of pace particularly in defensive areas.
Bielsa apparently has indicated interest in taking the job but has major concerns over the current squad being able to implement this trademark high energy style of play that he is known for.
Should his reservations not be allayed and guarantees not given over a plan to address the team’s lack of pace concerns, sources say there is a chance Bielsa will just abandon the talks.
It now remains to be seen whether the Merseyside club will be making any more attempts to try to persuade Bielsa or alternatively move onto other targets, like their previous manager Sam Allardyce, whom key figures within the Everton hierarchy remain admirers of, who has supposedly held initial talks with the club over replacing Lampard.
The prevalent feeling at Goodison is that Allardyce’s experience in guiding relegation-threatened teams to safety could well keep the club away from the relegation drop zone.
Allardyce was with Everton for only six months in 2017-2018 after being appointed by Farhad Moshiri to replace Ronald Koeman as the club was in danger of being relegated then and ended up guiding the Toffees to an eighth place finish.
However his 18-month contract was cut short and he was sacked at the end of the season as fans were disgruntled with his defensive style of play. Since leaving Everton the former England manager had a brief stint in charge of West Brom in 2020-21, but has not managed any other team since then.
Everton are clearly in need of another manager who can help them reach safety after finding themselves stranded in19th place after picking up only just three wins and 15 points from 20 games – the lowest of any side.
The club confirmed the sacking of Lampard on Monday evening after Sportsmail broke the story earlier in the day.
“Joe Edwards, Paul Clement, Ashley Cole and Chris Jones have also left the Club. Alan Kelly will remain as goalkeeping coach.
“Everyone at Everton would like to thank Frank and his coaching staff for their service during what has been a challenging 12 months.
“Frank and his team’s commitment and dedication have been exemplary throughout their time at the Club, but recent results and the current league position meant this difficult decision had to be taken. We wish Frank and all his backroom team well for their future in the game.
“The Club has started the process to secure a new manager and will provide updates on the appointment in due course.
“Paul Tait and Leighton Baines will take training until a new manager is appointed.’
The former Chelsea boss was informed that his 357-day spell in charge had been terminated during a phone call with Moshiri, Everton’s major shareholder, despite having been in discussions with Moshiri, Chairman Bill Kenwright and Kevin Thelwell, Everton’s Director of Football, on Sunday after a 2-0 defeat at West Ham – Everton’s 11th loss in their last 14 games in all competitions.