Blues fail in Lippi bid
Co-owner Sullivan confirms approach for ex-Juventus boss
By James Dall Last updated: 21st November 2007
Birmingham City co-owner David Sullivan has revealed that the club have failed in an attempt to lure Marcello Lippi to St Andrews.
The Blues are currently managerless following Steve Bruce's departure to Wigan Athletic on Monday.
Lippi has been out of management since leading Italy to World Cup glory in the summer of 2006, and in October he voiced his desire to return to club football.
The ex-Juventus boss has also been quoted as saying that the chances of him coaching in England are slim because of the language barrier.
Lippi becomes the second coach in two days to turn down Birmingham, following Martin Jol's decision to reject an offer on Tuesday.
Sullivan confirmed an approach had been made, explaining that Lippi was one of their main targets.
Not a stunt
"We made an approach and Lippi turned it down. This is not a stunt. It's genuine," he told the Birmingham Mail.
"He is available at the moment and we are looking at bringing in a manager of his stature and calibre, if at all possible. He was one of the first we went to but unfortunately nothing materialised.
"Of course, you get knock-backs. That's football. But if you do not try you will never know. It was the same with Martin Jol. It made sense for us to approach him.
"We are juggling other balls in the air at the moment and we will see which ones land. I want to stress to our supporters that we are working very, very hard to bring in the right man.
"Until you get to meet them and speak to them, you can never be quite sure. But it won't be for a lack of trying, believe me. We are determined to find a manager who would create a bit of a stir and excite people."
http://msnsport.skysports.com/story/...894875,00.html
Are they having a laugh?
why on earth would one of italy's greatest coaches manage Birmingham City
Co-owner Sullivan confirms approach for ex-Juventus boss
By James Dall Last updated: 21st November 2007
Birmingham City co-owner David Sullivan has revealed that the club have failed in an attempt to lure Marcello Lippi to St Andrews.
The Blues are currently managerless following Steve Bruce's departure to Wigan Athletic on Monday.
Lippi has been out of management since leading Italy to World Cup glory in the summer of 2006, and in October he voiced his desire to return to club football.
The ex-Juventus boss has also been quoted as saying that the chances of him coaching in England are slim because of the language barrier.
Lippi becomes the second coach in two days to turn down Birmingham, following Martin Jol's decision to reject an offer on Tuesday.
Sullivan confirmed an approach had been made, explaining that Lippi was one of their main targets.
Not a stunt
"We made an approach and Lippi turned it down. This is not a stunt. It's genuine," he told the Birmingham Mail.
"He is available at the moment and we are looking at bringing in a manager of his stature and calibre, if at all possible. He was one of the first we went to but unfortunately nothing materialised.
"Of course, you get knock-backs. That's football. But if you do not try you will never know. It was the same with Martin Jol. It made sense for us to approach him.
"We are juggling other balls in the air at the moment and we will see which ones land. I want to stress to our supporters that we are working very, very hard to bring in the right man.
"Until you get to meet them and speak to them, you can never be quite sure. But it won't be for a lack of trying, believe me. We are determined to find a manager who would create a bit of a stir and excite people."
http://msnsport.skysports.com/story/...894875,00.html
Are they having a laugh?
why on earth would one of italy's greatest coaches manage Birmingham City
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