Spanish coach Marcelino ‘turned down’ approaches from Brighton and Hove Albion and Nottingham Forest as he waits for the Spanish national job.
That’s according to journalist Pedro Morata, who says the Premier League duo were interested in the former Athletico Bilbao coach.
Brighton were on the hunt for a new manager last month following Graham Potter’s move to Chelsea, with the Englishman departing to replace the sacked Thomas Tuchel.
Several names around Europe were linked with the position before they ultimately decided on former Shakhtar Donetsk and Sassuolo coach Roberto De Zerbi.
Nottingham Forest, meanwhile, were believed to be thinking about replacing Steve Cooper after a poor start to the season that’s left them bottom of the Premier League with just one win in ten games.
They’ve since backed Cooper with a new contract to ward off speculation, but it seems they were doing work behind the scenes in case they decided to go in the other direction.
“As far as I have absolutely confirmed Marcelino has turned down the possibility of coaching Brighton and Nottingham Forest,” he told Directo Gol.
“Jorge Mendes phoned Marcelino’s people for Wolverhampton. All three clubs were told no by Marcelino.
“I think Marcelino is waiting in case Luis Enrique does not continue in the Spanish national team as coach of Spain. He wants to be Spain coach.
“Marcelino is certainly one of those who is sure to be on the shortlist of the Royal Spanish Federation.”
⚠️ ¡Atención al futuro de Marcelino!
🗣️ @pedro_morata:
➡️ "Ha rechazado a seis equipos"
➡️ "Creo que Marcelino está esperando la llamada de la @SEFutbol"
📺 #ElGranDebate pic.twitter.com/zqlXNiiCOB
— Directo Gol (@DirectoGol) October 17, 2022
