Catania confirm Montella departure

Catania have parted company with coach Vincenzo Montella, paving the way for the former Italy international to take charge of Fiorentina.

The head coach took over at Catania in June last year, replacing Diego Simeone, but impressed greatly in his one and only season in charge, leading the Sicilians to a comfortable 11th in Serie A.

Montella had a year left on his contract with Catania, but the club confirmed on Monday they had granted the 37-year-old an early release from his role.

“Catania announce that it has agreed in principle to the termination of its relationship with coach Vincenzo Montella,” a statement from the club read.

“The coming days will be used to evaluate the agreements and understandings that have been reached.”

The former striker had been heavily linked with a return to Roma, following Luis Enrique’s decision to step down.

But Catania president Antonio Pulvirenti stood in his way and Roma appointed Zdenek Zeman.

However, Montella looks poised to take up the role at Stadio Artemio Franchi, with Fiorentina looking for a new boss having fired Delio Rossi following his bust-up with Adem Ljajic towards the end of last season.

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/catania-confirm-montella-departure/95875/

Pescara president confirms Zeman move to Roma

Pescara president Daniele Sebastiani has revealed that head coach Zdenek Zeman will leave the club to take charge of Roma.

The capital club are in the market for a new coach due to the departure of Luis Enrique, and they have now found a replacement in the 65-year-old for the 2012-13 campaign.

“Zeman is going to Roma. Everything has been decided. Roma’s call was too strong for him to turn down,” Sebastiani told Radio Mana Mana.

“We will always have a good relationship with him. Zdenek has very close ties to the city, and will always be in Pescara’s heart.

“We could not keep him here. He has a lot of affection for Rome, and for Roma in particular. His choice was inevitable.”

Zeman guided Pescara back to Serie A this season after a 19-year absence from Italy’s top flight.

Roma have yet to confirm the appointment of Zeman, but are expected to release an official statement in the next few days.

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/pescara-president-confirms-zeman-move-to-roma/95585/

Laursen rules out Villa job World Soccer Shop

Martin Laursen has ruled out returning as Aston Villa boss this summer but admits it would be "a dream" for him to take charge in the future.

Laursen: Too soon for Villa job

Former Denmark international Laursen was forced to quit Villa and retire three years ago because of a knee problem.

There has been speculation linking Laursen with a return to Villa but he is currently taking his coaching badges while part of the staff at Danish side Sollerod-Vedbaek.

Laursen said: "That (the speculation) is flattering but it (Villa) is too soon for me, I'm afraid.

"I'm taking my coaching badges in Denmark and coaching at Sollerod to get some experience.

"It is going well but to manage Villa is too early. In the future, that would be a dream for me.

"Fans know how much I love Villa, a great club."

Villa are continuing their hunt for a new manager after holding informal talks with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Swansea boss Brendan Rodgers and Norwich's Paul Lambert remain amongst potential candidates although Press Association Sport understands Villa have yet to approach either club.

Source : http://soccer365.com//news/european_news/general/16906/laursen_rules_out_villa_job

India look to Koevermans

Ireland’s International High Performance Director Wim Koevermans is set to take charge of India.

The All India Football Federation’s (AIFF) Executive Committee are expected to meet next month to approve the appointment.

The move follows the decision to give technical director Rob Baan the power to look out for Savio Medeira’s replacement following India’s disappointing performance at the Challenge Cup.

Baan, who saw India lose all their matches and fail to score a goal, had recommended Koevermans for the top job.

The 51-year-old made one appearance for the Netherlands and was part of the Euro 1988 winning squad under Rinus Michels but did not play.

As a player, he represented his hometown club FC Vlaardingen, Fortuna Sittard and Groningen.

Koevermans coached Eredivisie side NEC in the 1996-97 season, winning a desperate relegation fight.

But at MVV Maastricht he was less fortunate as they lost their promotion/relegation play-off after finishing 16th in the league.

He failed to guide them back to Eredivisie in the 2000-01 season as they were 13th.

Koevermans served as the youth coach for the Netherlands senior team between 2002 to 2008 and he currently also looks after the Ireland Under-21 side on a temporary basis.

Source : http://www.soccernews.com/india-look-to-koevermans/95067/