Everton under Sean Dyche are a polarising outfit, that has often split this fanbase down the middle.
For some, the 53-year-old is an archaic tactician, with a style of play that flattens Goodison Park, and a demeanour that does not endear himself to the supporters.
However, others would argue that, in their current predicament, the former Burnley boss is by far the best they could hope for.
After all, not only has he stuck by the club through the darkest of times, but he has navigated them to safety thus far as well.
The latter is certainly the more reasoned approach, but even those who show great appreciation for what Dyche has done as Everton manager recognise that his tenure is not one that will last forever.
In fact, with his contract due to expire this summer, we may be mid-way through his final year in office.
Everton interested in appointing Jose Mourinho
With that in mind, already the rumour mill has kicked into overdrive regarding a potential successor.
And, with Dan Friedkin’s Everton takeover progressing, such a notion has only intensified.
Having already proven himself as a no-nonsense owner with AS Roma, hiring and firing both Jose Mourinho and Daniele De Rossi in quick succession, it’ll be interesting to see whether such a strategy is retained on Merseyside.
Alas, with rumours suggesting that Everton want to appoint Mourinho, that idea could be completely blown out of the water.
Especially after what the Portuguese coach recently said.
Mourinho hinted at a Premier League return, speaking about his upcoming match against Manchester United: ‘They will succeed sooner or later. Hopefully sooner and before one day I go back to the Premier League and they become my opponents. At this moment they are just my opponents for one match.’
Dan Friedkin may have alienated Jose Mourinho at AS Roma
However, there may be one little issue with this potential appointment. Dan Friedkin and Mourinho don’t exactly see eye to eye.
Despite the 61-year-old being by far the most high-profile manager who would even consider such a job, it seems that the American billionaire could have alienated him anyway to deny their chances.
Mourinho criticised Friedkin’s ownership after he sacked him, claiming: ‘I won’t be there at these final stages, not because I have already been eliminated, but because I was ‘eliminated’ by someone who knows little about football. That’s life, full of ups and downs, and I’m growing, despite the unexpected and unfair dismissal.’
This comes after he had openly lauded Everton as an institution back during his tenure at Manchester United.
His apparent admiration for the Toffees might not be enough to repair any bridges burnt by Friedkin’s previous actions.
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