Attending Everton’s 3-1 victory over Chelsea on Saturday, Niko Kovac managed to give the Everton managerial search quite the jolt. Once spotted, Kovac’s name quickly rose to the top of the journalistic rumour mill.
Sacked by German giants Bayern Munich back in November, Kovac remains an interesting managerial prospect due to his past successes. Leading Bayern to the German double last season, Kovac’s history includes stops at Red Bull Salzburg and Eintracht Frankfurt.
However, despite many reports linking Kovac to the Everton post, new reports have quickly ground those gears to a halt. A report from football website GOAL now states that Kovac is not in the running for the vacant Everton job.
Sourcing a direct conversation with the Croatian, GOAL reports that Kovac’s attendance on Saturday was simply a casual appearance.
Report: Niko Kovac Not in Running for Everton Job
Fact-Finding or Just Attending?
Expected to attend Arsenal’s fixture against West Ham United on Monday, Kovac was also reportedly in attendance for Saturday evening’s Manchester Derby. Taking in a number of English football matches recently, GOAL’s report states that Kovac is just simply taking in these matches as a fan. Contrary to other reports, Kovac is actually taking a break from the rigors of football management.
While Kovac would have been a great hire for relegation-threatened Everton, the Toffees must now seemingly turn their attention elsewhere in their search for the club’s next manager.
Linked to a number of managers since the sacking of Marco Silva, the current favourite for the position remains former club boss David Moyes. Another report from GOAL also states that Moyes and Everton are scheduled for face-to-face talks over the open managers seat.
However, those reports came prior to Everton’s huge 3-1 victory over Chelsea. Led by former player and current interim manager Duncan Ferguson, the Toffees played extremely well.
In fact, Everton may have turned in what could be described as their best performance of the season on Saturday. In the relegation zone prior to the match, the result against Chelsea lifted Everton into safety. A major result considering Ferguson’s inexperience.
Should these types of performances continue, Everton will come under pressure to name Duncan Ferguson as their next permanent manager. Playing at Old Trafford next Sunday, Ferguson could be given another chance to impress the board. That is, unless Everton names a permanent replacement before then.
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