It has seemed for a while now that it's Pellegrini or De Boer, with Mourinho as wildcard (some wildcard, though).
Presuming both would accept, it's an intriguing choice.
Pellegrini, the known quantity, high-profile, savvy, experienced. Could he replicate the impact he made at Villarreal and Malaga? Probably a shorter-term appointment to leave better things for a successor? Has he now peaked in terms of career achievement? Certainly the lower risk option.
De Boer, decorated player, outstanding pedigree but untested in an elite league. Higher risk but potentially greater return. Could build a longer-term legacy if successful. Could also prove to be underwhelming, average, or indeed a flop, leaving us looking for another manager in 12-18 months.
I am increasingly seeing Pellegrini as the "steady the ship" option which, whilst not getting my pulse going, appeals nonetheless given the shambles we have had to witness, particularly of late. I have said repeatedly that we could do far, far worse in appointing someone with his CV and credentials.
I can also be vaulted here for expressing my unease about De Boer simply as he is an unknown quantity in an elite league. Mind you, a potential 5 league titles in 6 years is not to be sniffed at. He seems to have at least been considered for jobs at Spurs, Liverpool, and Swansea and wants to take a step up at a time of his own choosing, and in the right environment. Can't do anymore at Ajax.
As with most of us, I'm trying to read the runes of
@The Esk postings and wonder now if De Boer is closer to being appointed? Just by virtue of the fact that De Boer seems to place a huge amount of stock in the backroom team he can bring with him and the overall project and that this would lead to potentially longer, but successful negotiations?
It seems we can offer both men most, if not all of the opportunities and challenges they seek in their next job.
At this stage, and I have surprised myself, my head says Pellegrini and heart says De Boer. De Boer offers more in the longer term if he can hit the ground running and we would potentially be back in or around competing with Spurs/Lpool, our closest peers in my eyes. I'm not at all ageist, but I see in Pochettino now a guy that could be at Spurs for years, making them stronger and with multiple CL / title attempts. Wouldn't that be great?
