Everton appointed Frank Lampard as Rafael Benítez’s successor in January and he helped them avoid relegation from the Premier.
The ex-Chelsea manager guided the Toffees to a 16th place finish, four points ahead of 18th placed Burnley. Despite this, it’s claimed Everton have looked to bring in a new manager for the 2022/23 season.
That’s according to Chilean newspaper La Tercera, who explain the Merseyside club made an approach for Real Betis coach Manuel Pellegrini.
Last December, the 68-year-old extended his contract with the La Liga side until 2025, but that didn’t stop him from being approached by other clubs.
A ‘few weeks ago’, once the season was over, two sides made contact for the Chilean. Those were Everton and an unnamed club from the Middle East. These sides were ‘willing to pay’ an important part of the manager’s release clause, which is €4m of the €5.5m set in his contract.
“It is a gesture towards the commitment and the importance that the coach has achieved, who is very comfortable with the fans and the city,” a Betis source told La Tercera’s El Deportivo.
The 68-year-old has experience of managing in England from his time at Manchester City and West Ham United. He joined the La Liga side in 2020 and played a vital role Betis’ Copa del Rey success last term.
Pellegrini is very comfortable at Betis. In addition to this, he is also is very happy with the appreciation received by the Spanish club’s supporters.
These claims could simply be some good PR for both the manager and Real Betis. It looks good for Pellegrini that there’s been interest, and good for the Seville club that they’ve resisted it.
