Wellington Phoenix general manager David Dome says the club hopes to have a new head coach in place within six weeks.
Wellington Phoenix general manager David Dome says the club hopes to have a new head coach in place within six weeks.
Applications for the job vacated by Ricki Herbert at the end of February close on Friday with Dome saying close to 200 people had applied for the position.
“We are keen to complete the process in the next six weeks or so, so we can move on. But we are also very focused on finding the right person for the job and will take the time necessary to do this,” said Dome.
“While we are getting some well-known names come through, the most important thing for us is to get a head coach who understands and will execute the club’s vision.”
Former Real Madrid and Mexico striker Hugo Sanchez is the most high-profile person to be linked with the job.
The 54-year-old has also coached Mexico and saved Almeria from relegation from Spain’s La Liga in the 2008-09 campaign.
His last role was with Mexican side Pachuca which ended in November.
Chris Greenacre, who took over as interim coach following Herbert’s resignation, said last week he had not applied for the job.
Former Phoenix assistant Luciano Trani, Central Coast assistant Phil Moss and Columbus Crew assistant Duncan Oughton – a former New Zealand international – are also believed to be in the running.
“We have received interest from some very high-calibre applicants, including some who have coached at the highest levels in Europe,” added Dome.
