According to reports in The Telegraph, Everton could renew their interest in Shakhtar Donetsk manager Paulo Fonseca after he admitted that he wants to work in the Premier League, with Ronald Koeman’s job still under threat.
What’s the word, then?
Well, The Telegraph says that Fonseca was among the candidates to replace Roberto Martinez in 2016 before the club appointed Koeman, and they could go for him again should they decide to sack the Dutchman in the next few weeks.
A late Wayne Rooney penalty managed to prevent another disappointing defeat for the Toffees in what has been a disappointing start to the campaign for the Merseyside outfit, who face Lyon in the Europa League on Thursday night before hosting Arsenal at Goodison Park on Sunday.
Following an impressive spell in charge of Shakhtar, Fonseca – whose contract is due to run out at the end of this season – says he is ready to manage in England.
What did he say?
In an exclusive interview with The Telegraph, he said: “All coaches want to go to England and I am one.
“I have this dream and I believe this can happen. I believe a lot this can happen. If it’s soon or not, I have this dream.
“It’s the biggest league in the world. For any coach, to work in England can be amazing. You have the best coaches and the best players.”
How well has he done at Shakhtar?
He has done very well.
He led the club to the Ukrainian Premier League, Cup and Super Cup in his first season in charge, while he also masterminded their impressive 2-0 win against Napoli in the Champions League this season – even more impressive considering the Italian side have won all eight of their Serie A matches this term.
While Shakhtar were beaten by the same scoreline against Manchester City, they also impressed against Pep Guardiola’s side too.
Would he be a good Koeman replacement?
At 44 years of age, the Portuguese boss looks to be a manager with a bright future in the game, and the success that he has had with Shakhtar and the fact that he came out on top in a tactical battle against Napoli shows the potential that he has.
It’s looking more and more likely that Everton need a change, and Fonseca could be the man to reinvigorate this struggling Toffees side.
