Liverpool begin search for new manager
05th June 2010
Liverpool are to begin their search for a new manager after Rafael Benitez left the club by mutual consent on Thursday. Managing director Christian Purslow and former boss Kenny Dalglish, who is also the club's academy ambassador, are charged with finding a replacement.
Fulham's Roy Hodgson has been suggested as a candidate for the vacant post.
But former Reds goalkeeper Bruce Grobbelaar and former midfielder Jamie Redknapp think Dalglish would be the right man to take over.
Dalglish managed the club between 1985-1991, winning three league titles and is still revered at Anfield having also won six league titles as a player. He is also thought to be close to several senior players.
"It's a sad thing that Rafa Benitez has gone but for me there is only one man for the job and that is Kenny Dalglish," Grobbelaar told BBC Radio 5 live.
"Kenny Dalglish loves this football club and I believe if he didn't have the appetite for the game, he wouldn't be at Anfield every week, week-in, week-out.
"I think maybe now is the time he can turn the tide and stabilise the club with the fans and make sure everything gets back on track. He can take the club back up to where it should be. "
Grobbelaar was part of the same Liverpool team as Dalglish and rejected the suggestion that a new face was needed at Anfield.
"We need fresh blood yes, but on the pitch not off it. As a manager he will be respected and will be able to lead the club," said Grobbelaar.
Hodgson is another name in the frame following his successful season at Craven Cottage which saw Fulham reach the final of the Europa League. His achievements also saw him voted the manager of the year by the League Manager's Association.
Former Liverpool captain Jamie Redknapp agrees with Grobbelaar and feels that Dalglish would be an ideal replacement. But he also believes Hodgson has the right credentials.
"Kenny watches football every day and he doesn't miss a thing, I have no doubt he would be a huge success," Redknapp told BBC Sport.
"The players will also respect him as a man and a manager because of his success previously.
"To stick with Kenny Dalgish I think is a really good idea. If not then obviously Roy Hodgson is going to get mentioned as he has worked in Europe and had huge success so there are a lot of options. "
Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill, who recently committed himself to the club after showdown talks with owner Randy Lerner last month, has also been mentioned as a replacement for Benitez.
Anfield bosses may also turn to former Manchester City manager Mark Hughes, who is a free agent, which could appeal to the debt-ridden club.
Benitez is reported to have received a multi-million pound severance deal to leave Anfield and with Liverpool £351m in debt the club will be hoping to avoid paying out more money in compensation.
Ex-Chelsea manager Guus Hiddink, who recently took over as Turkey boss and current Croatia coach Slaven Bilic have been touted as potential successors too.
Bilic's brother and agent, Domagoj, told BBC Sport: "It is true that one day Slaven would like to manage in the Premier League and there are not many clubs bigger than Liverpool.
"It is always an honour to be linked to a big club but at this moment in time to discuss Slaven joining Liverpool is frivolous.
"An offer has not come - not yet anyway - so we will not discuss it. But if any offer does come we will of course discuss it. "
Former Holland and Barcelona manager Frank Rijkaard is another who is believed be on Liverpool's shortlist.
But his agent, Perry Overmeers, has moved to distance his client from the speculation.
"Rumours linking Frank to Liverpool are just that, rumours," Overmeers told BBC Sport. "Frank is the type of person who likes to fulfil his obligations and he has one year left on his contract with Galatasaray.
"There has been no contact from Liverpool. "
Source: BBC News & Sports - Barcelona
