Motherwell manager Jens Berthel Askou has emerged as the leading contender to take charge at Toulouse, according to reports in France, as the Ligue 1 side step up their search for a new head coach…
The Dane has attracted growing attention following an impressive campaign at Fir Park, where he guided Motherwell to a fourth-place finish while earning praise for the team’s expansive style of play.
His work in Scotland has also seen him linked with the vacant Celtic job alongside Martin O’Neill and Robbie Keane.
Interest from Toulouse intensified last week after Askou was named among a three-man managerial shortlist, with fresh reports from The Herald now claiming the French club have identified him as their preferred option.
The Ligue 1 outfit are preparing for a new era after Carles Martinez Novell confirmed he would leave the club following three seasons in charge. The Spaniard oversaw a tenth-place finish in the French top flight this term.
French media reports claim Askou is competing with departing Lorient boss Olivier Pantaloni and Christophe Pelissier, who is set to leave Auxerre after steering the club to safety.
Toulouse sporting director Viktor Bezhani confirmed the club are close to making a decision on their next appointment.
He said: “We have a shortlist, with French and international names on it. We hope to announce the name as soon as possible. We’ve already conducted interviews.”
Bezhani also detailed the qualities Toulouse are seeking in their next manager as the club looks to continue its long-term project.
He said: “The future manager must be very dynamic, very positive, aware of the expectations of the thousands of fans who are waiting for goals.
“He must be someone who can work with young players and bring new ideas. We need to have a coach who has overperformed with modest means and that knows how to develop players.”
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1 Comment
If Askou should enter talks, upon such rumours, would only confirm that he really wasn’t in the running for our managers job imo?
However, if Askou should decline such an offer, then anything remains possible still. Regardless of what the outcome surrounding Askou might be, i would be very surprised if he remains at murderwell for next season imo?