Everton are still awaiting confirmation on their takeover, with Dan Friedkin having struck a deal with Farhad Moshiri back in September.
This was never bound to be an overnight process, and with their form on the pitch enjoying a recent upturn, the pressure on this change in ownership has eased.
Alan Myers provided a time frame on Everton’s takeover, but it seems nothing is assured.
That being said, even before confirmation emerges, the Friedkin Group is coming under a bit of scrutiny from a famous face across both English and Italian football.
Claudio Ranieri slams Dan Friedkin
In comments transcribed by Italian outlet Tutto Mercato Web, it was Claudio Ranieri who was not best pleased with the Friedkin Group and their ongoing conduct at his former club.
Having played for and later managed AS Roma between 2009 and 2011, the legendary Italian, who infamously won the Premier League with Leicester City nearly a decade ago now, has spoken about his frustration over one particularly poor choice made by the American billionaire.
Ranieri noted: ‘Roma seem to have a cold soul without personality.
‘I didn’t understand what they did with De Rossi. When you confirm him with a three-year contract, you tell the world you are building a new team. At that point, you must give time to the coach, you can’t sack him after four rounds.
‘Roma lack a leading figure. You can’t blame the Friedkins because they’ve invested a lot of money, but they are proving that money is not everything. They miss a reference point inside the club. Roma is a unique place; the fans must be helped and supported, but there seems to be coldness now.’
The Friedkin Group must be smarter with Everton’s manager appointments
It is clear that, through appointing Danielle De Rossi, the Friedkins were trying the sentimental route with their club, fresh from the ruthless reign of Jose Mourinho.
And, as Ranieri says, if they were going to go down that road, at least back the decision.
Sacking him after just eight months is in poor taste, and shows a worrying lack of long-term strategy.
Once they get in power at Everton, they must be far more intelligent in their managerial appointments, as they will have a huge one to make this summer by all accounts.
Friedkin wants to hire Maurizio Sarri for the Toffees, some reports are stating, whilst others remain coy on Sean Dyche’s future given his contract expires in eight months.
Regardless, the next Everton manager cannot be a short-term or short-sighted appointment like De Rossi.
He must have all the credentials to take over, revolutionise the club, and triumphantly take them into their new home on the Bramley-Moore Dock.
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