By Liam Thomas

24th Jan, 2023 | 2:10pm

Everton hit major stumbling blocks in managerial pursuit of Marcelo Bielsa

High wages and convincing Marcelo Bielsa of taking on the Everton job are currently proving to be major stumbling blocks in the Merseyside clubs’ pursuit of the Argentine, according to journalist Sami Mokbel.

Everton sacked Frank Lampard on 23 January and have since been linked with numerous different managers over their vacant role.

Nevertheless, Mokbel confessed that a move for Bielsa is by no means a certainty and this latest setback could be a “major blow” for the Blues.

“Move for Bielsa by no means a certainty. Plenty of difficulties to overcome: namely convincing Bielsa himself. Wages, too,” said Mokbel on Twitter. (24 January, 11:15 AM)

“Everton also exploring alternatives. Let’s see.”

Risky.

Giving Bielsa the Goodison job would be a risky bet and despite the Argentine’s utter class, he may not be the right man for the job that’s needed here and now.

Also, given the Argentines’ track record, it’s unlikely that he would take a job mid-season, so it would be surprising if the Toffees could convince him anyway.

It’s a messy job for whoever takes it and results will be needed instantly if the Toffees are going to salvage anything from this torrid campaign.

Fans may prefer to see someone like Sean Dyche come in and steady the sinking ship at this point, this might be the perfect tough-love approach this squad needs.

Bielsa would definitely provide a better footballing philosophy and something that’s easier on the eye but is this current crop of Everton players ready for Bielsa ball? Many would argue not.

For now, the Blues may be better off bringing someone in on the short-term to battle relegation, a manager like Bielsa could do with a summer transfer window to get his weapons deployed within the team.