Everton new manager: Paul Merson makes ‘Massive’ Jose Mourinho claim
Paul Merson admits Jose Mourinho is a “massive” name but does not think he would be a good appointment to replace Sean Dyche at Everton given their precarious position in the table.
The Toffees sit just one point above the relegation zone in the Premier League and, as a result, pressure continues to build on Dyche with the Friedkin Group having held talks regarding a succession plan.
One name who has been linked with the potential vacancy is former Chelsea, Real Madrid, and Manchester United boss Mourinho who is currently in charge at Fenerbahce.
However, Merson has suggested this would be a naive decision from the Blues owners as he said live on Sky Sports News (9 January): “I don’t see how this job ticks the box.
“They’re in a massive, massive relegation fight and I mean a massive relegation fight and I just don’t see how he does any different to Sean Dyche, I just don’t see any difference to that.
“So for me I’d be surprised. Again, it’s a name, he’s a massive name in football but yeah, I’d be careful on that one, I’d be careful on that one.”
Jose Mourinho would be a big risk at Everton
While the takeover of Everton came with a sense of optimism, that has quickly worn off as the Blues have found themselves slipping down the table, while their relegation rivals are starting to pick up some points.
Appointing a big name like Mourinho would certainly be a statement of intent from TFG about the direction they see Everton going in, suggesting that they will be the type of club to appoint the best managers and climb up the table.
However, Merson is right when it comes to a warning for the Toffees as the Portuguese manager isn’t well known for his attacking style of football, despite that being the area where the Merseyside outfit desperately needs to improve in the second half of the season.
Furthermore, we are yet to see the 61-year-old take charge of a club in the kind of struggling position Everton currently find themselves in.
Therefore, while it sounds good, this is an appointment that could actually hold a bigger risk and maybe these are the types of targets that need to come later down the line, with a more modest option at this moment in time.
In other Everton news, a postponement update has emerged regarding the Toffees’ FA Cup tie against Peterborough on Thursday evening.
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