So Spanish the Spanish tactician known as Rafael Benitez has exited Anfield for the last time. The man who gave us Champions League glory for the fifth time has moved on to Serie A to take over from Jose Mourinho at Inter Milan and leaves us without Champions League football for the first time in years. Where do we go from here?
Club legend Kenny Daglish has been handed the task of finding us a new boss but many have suggested that ‘King Kenny’, the man who led us to our last domestic title, wants the job for himself. Others think that Daglish has been out of football for too long and the experience of Fulham boss Roy Hodgson would suit our club more at this point in time. Names such as Martin O’Neill, Manuel Pellegrini, Sven-Goran Eriksson, Jurgen Klinsman, Guus Hiddink, Frank Rijkaard, Harry Redknapp, Mark Hughes and Marcello Lippi have also been linked. But who is your preference for manager?
Lets have a look at the candidates:
Kenny Daglish – What more can you say about Kenny? His name is immortal at Anfield. He has led the team to glory both as player and manager and is in the heart of every true Liverpool supporter. Has won Premier League/First Division titles with both Liverpool and Blackburn but had mixed results at both Newcastle and Celtic. Many feel his knowledge of our club and its traditions should make him favourite to succeed Rafa.
Roy Hodgson – Vastly experienced manager. Has worked with various club and national teams including Inter Milan (2 separate stints), Blackburn, Udinese, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates and Finland to name a few. Has transformed Fulham into a solid top half Premiership team and led them to the UEFA Cup final last season.
Martin O’Neill – Highly rated British boss who has yet to take a team to the next level. Had enjoyed reasonable success at both Leicester City and Celtic before he joined Aston Villa but many feel he is not the man bring glory back to our famous club.
Sven-Goran Eriksson – Former England, Mexico, Lazio, Sampdoria, Manchester City and current Ivory Coast boss. Good tactically. Has his doubters but has proven himself at club level in the past. Both domestically and in Europe. Has stated his love for Liverpool FC.
Harry Redknapp – Solid British manager who has proven himself at this level. It remains to be seen wether he would be able to lead a team to the ultimate glory of a Premiership title. Performed wonders at both Pompey and Spurs. Would more than likely stay at White Hart Lane following outstanding season that saw the team achieve a Champions League place.
Marcello Lippi – Is a good experienced manager, who has both Champions League and World Cup winning medals. Doesn’t speak English and seems to have distanced himself from the speculation linking him with Anfield.
Manuel Pellegrini – Good record at Villarreal. Was sacked from Real Madrid despite an impressive tally of league points. Failure to perform in Champions League and win big matches cost him his job. Wouldn’t consider him a serious contender
Ottmar Hitzfeld – Hasn’t been mentioned for the role but is someone we feel should definitely been approached. Hitfield’s record is second to none. He has won League titles with every team he has coached and is only one of two managers (the other being Jose Mourinho) to have won the UEFA Champions League with two different teams (Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich). Has twice been named World Coach of the Year (1997 and 2001) and been rated the best Bundesliga-coach of all time.
Jurgen Klinsman – Very inexperienced coach. Not liked by many who played under him at Bayern. Team turned around once he left the club. Would not consider him anywhere near what was required of us.
Guus Hiddink – Tactical genious, very Experienced. His record in turning around teams is second to none. His CV includes teams such as Real Madrid, Chelsea, PSV, South Korea, Australia, Russia and Holland.
Frank Rijkaard – Fantastic footballer in his time. Has experience at the highest level despite his young age. Led Barcelona to 2 La Liga titles and a Champions League. Has also managed the Dutch national team and Sparta Rotterdam. He is currently contracted to Turkish club Galatasaray.
Mark Hughes – Former favourite of the Man United scum. Has proven that he has no loyalty to them by accepting the Manchester City post last season. Doesn’t have the managerial pedigree to take over our club and would more than likely not be a popular choice.
Who does The Red Half think should take over at Anfield? Give it to Kenny!!! The man is a legend here and would be just what we need.
Second preference? Guus Hiddink. Has the knowledge and experience to bring us silverware. Likes a challenge.
Third preference? Would have to be Ottmar Hitzfeld. The guy is a winner and has proven it over and over.
What to do you think?
