Sevilla gave up a late equalizer to lowly Xerez (who are actually looking alive lately, but way way way too late) today and by so doing sealed the fate of Manolo Jimenez. The Andalucians fired their coach following the third disapointing performance in seven days. Completely understandable, it just underscores how much of a rollercoaster coaching at the highest level can be. Rewind ten days and Manolo Jimenez is on the brink of taking Sevilla to a European quarter final for only the second time in the club's history. He has a 1-1 result in the bank with the crucial away goal from the first leg in Moscow and he has Luis Fabiano available for the second leg. The Russians come in and shock the world with a 2-1 win. Then they get spanked by Espanyol at the weekend and are fortunate to only lose 2-0. And now they give away two points to the worst team in the Spanish top flight, at home. When it pains it roars.
AS is reporting that the club have made contact with Luis Aragones. I could see how that makes sense. With Sevilla only a point back of Mallorca for the last Champion's League spot and only 3 points ahead of Bilbao and Deportivo (although they are on the slide too) time is of the essence and whoever is next should be on the sidelines this weekend.
Earlier today I had actually been speaking about Aragones with a friend, but for the Real Madrid job. Another name that popped into my mind is that of Laurent Blanc. With a very good chance of being at the helm of one of the last four clubs standing in Europe, as well as a realistic shot at a second consecutive French title, I think he might have the "it" factor that Madridistas crave so much. Add to that Zidane's role as a special aide to Florentino and the move looks very possible. Time will tell.
Speaking of the not-yet-vacant Real Madrid job: A guy who I think will not be the one is The Special One. In my opinion Mourinho will not be at the Bernabeu next year for 4 reasons:
1. I am an Inter fan and like him just where he is.
2. Jorge Valdano, Florentino's other right hand man and a Real Madrid icon, has a well known and long feud with Mourinho. I am not sure about Valdano but Mourinho does not seem to be the kind of guy to put something like that aside for the glory and prestige of the white shirt.
3. Mourinho is a borderline control freak (and I only say borderline because he wins enough to justify his actions) and Real Madrid is a club where many, many people want to put their stamp on the team.
4. Everyone knows he wants to work in England again. The Liverpool job is likely to come open over the summer and it is rumored Mourinho has always wanted to go there. It is also not inconceivable that Alex Ferguson retires within the next two years, opening up a second job in the Prem's top 4. Both of these suit Mourinho more than Real Madrid.
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