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Liverpool FC’s Top 5 Managerial Targets?

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AFTER the news that Kenny Dalglish has been sacked as Liverpool FC manager, Fenway Sports Group have given themselves a momentous task of finding somebody to take on the mantle of Liverpool boss.

After uproar from fans about the dismissal of Dalglish, FSG need to find themselves a manager with a reputation that will go some way to repairing what has become a broken relationship with a large number of Reds fans.

Here we look at the top five managers L4L believe have been targeted to replace ‘King Kenny’ as the man to run things at Anfield.

In no particular order, here are our five forerunners:

1. Roberto Martinez

The Wigan manager has emerged as early favourite to take over at Liverpool, much to the dismay of many Liverpool fans.

The Spaniard was previously the catalyst in a rejuvenation of fortunes at Swansea which ultimately led to their promotion to the Premier League.

He moved from Wales to Wigan in August 2009 and has simply kept Wigan in the division since then; no more, no less.

There is no doubting that at 38 years of age, Martinez has the potential to be a fantastic manager but can Liverpool afford to house a manager with just potential? Do The Reds not need someone who can bring them success in the short term?

Understandably, Martinez has skills that are transferable to a club of Liverpool’s stature, however, it is a gamble and one many supporters feel is not worth taking.

2. Rafael Benitez

No introductions needed here. Rafa Benitez is loved around the city of Liverpool – his passion for the club as well as his contributions towards the Hillsborough Justice Campaign has endeared him to the fans and he will forever hold a place in Liverpool folklore for the night he gave us in Istanbul.

There is already talk of Benitez returning to the hotseat at Anfield, those rumours not helped by the fact Rafa still lives on Merseyside.

Without a doubt, if Rafa took over once again, he would give his all to get Liverpool back to where we belong but there is an argument that we have already tried bringing an old flame back in the form of Dalglish and that did not turn out to be completely successful so why give it another go?

In terms of fan opinion, this would be the safe hand to play for FSG as the majority could not contest this decision. The only concerning aspect would be whether it would work in the short term – could get Rafa get us back in to the top four? We might well get the chance to see the answer to that question.

3. Andre Villas-Boas

Reports are already suggesting that FSG are taking no notice of AVB’s ill-fated spell as Chelsea manager and have held talks with the ex-Porto boss with a view to offering him the job. Whether this rumour is true or not remains to be seen.

There is varied opinions on this potential appointment – a lot of people refuse to look past Villas-Boas’ failure to stamp his authority at Chelsea, however, on the other hand, many people believe he has the skills to be a success at Liverpool, if given the necessary time. Can we afford to give too much time to a manager?

After all, FSG only gave Kenny Dalglish one season as permanent manager before removing him from his position. Mr Villas-Boas is fluent in English which is always a handy tool whilst working in the country but he would have everything to prove if given the chance to manage Liverpool, which is something potentially disastrous for Liverpool as an experienced, successful manager is required. Villas-Boas has of course had great success as a manager in Portugal but let’s get things straight; The Barclays Premier League is a much stiffer task than anything Portuguese football has to offer.

4. Brendan Rodgers

The Swansea boss has masterminded nothing short of a miraculous season for his promoted side.

As well as playing some marvellous football, Swansea finished a comfortable 11 points above the relegation zone in 11th place (five points behind Liverpool).

When taking over from Martinez as Swansea boss, Rodgers arguably took a team moulded in the style of Martinez and has built it further from there into what could be a solid Premier League team for years to come.

Similarly to Roberto Martinez, this appointment would be one with great risk and, after the disaster that was the Roy Hodgson reign, Liverpool and FSG would do well to avoid installing a rookie manager with the pressure that comes with being the manager of a club as big as Liverpool FC.

If Rodgers continues in the manner he has done so far in South Wales, a job at one of England’s top club surely awaits him; however, the job currently on offer at Liverpool will probably come too soon for the Swansea coach.

5. Frank Rijkaard

The former Barcelona manager is currently in charge of the Saudi Arabia national team but an offer to manage one of England’s biggest clubs would surely be too difficult to resist for a manager keen to return to the big time and rectify his reputation after failing to make an impact as boss of Galatasary.

Rijkaard has a CV that many managers would be envious of with a record that includes a Champions League success, two La Liga titles and a semi-final of a European Championships as boss of the Netherlands.

He has been there and done it at the level that Liverpool wants to be at.

He has the experience of dealing with big name players and has the characteristics to take Liverpool back to the top of English football. Whether his skills can adapt to the rigours of the Barclays Premier League would be a question only he could answer if the situation arises but we certainly believe he will be a name considered by FSG when they draw up a list of managers for the job.

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There is a distinct possibility that Liverpool FC’s next manager could be a name that does not appear on this list as, at the moment, there are many further names being linked with the job; such as Louis Van Gaal, Marcelo Bielsa, Jürgen Klopp, Martin O’Neill, Paul Lambert and so on. However, these are the five that we at Live4Liverpool believe to be top of the early shortlist.

This is not to say that we think that any of these managers deserve a chance to be Liverpool manager, they are just the names that appear to be top of FSG’s early shortlist.

Who would you like to see installed as our next manager?

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15 comments

  • I personally thikthat they should look for managers in the calibre of Jose Maurinho, Pep Guardiola, Del Bosquet, or Fabio Capello

  • frank is the only man for liverpool boss and is capable for job. Will be a rescuer for liverpool in a currently problem. Let forget others pls. Let go for frank rijkaard

  • M. says:

    Martinez, Rogers or Lambert reminds me CAdam, Downing & Henderson – big fish in a small pond. Fighting out with the fellow relegation battlers for getting out of the last 3 spot (for 40 points) is a bit different from getting into top 3 (or doubling the points tally to 80). If any of those top 3 is appointed, I ‘ll bet neither ‘ll be there before June ’13.

    Besides, LFC ‘ll be in rebuilding phase in next 2/3 years – without pouring the spoiled money. The only way is to collect top U23 players from either side of the big pond, apart from UK (sorry, biggest mistake KK made is, it’s no more 70s & 80s – top young talents now days don’t speak English, rather Spanish, French, Portuguese & Dutch). Top young talents don’t bank on the Tom, Dick & Harry for their career.

    I don’t want to see any Brit as LFC manager anymore (Not that I am a bigot, but last top class UK manager is now 70+ & after a decade of foreigners, FA had to appoint Woy Hodgeson – tells the story).

    • Red4Life says:

      agree

      We’ll be doing another Carroll but on a management scale. Unproven over a few seasons and still alot to learn.

  • SahanuuREDS says:

    I hobe wil be rafa binitez or luis van gal no want martinez regdes o nil lambert becouse there is amanagaral difision thanks fsc and al liver vans

  • megzy says:

    I srongly belive rafael benitez would take us there, ge has all it takse †? lead lfc. D players L??e him, he has a nice tactis, and makes good decisions when it comes †? delivering. Benitez loves liverpool very much and still wants †? C?????????? back. FSG pls give him the chance. Or ??W?????e?? can go 6or frank as a second choice.

  • Anthony says:

    RAFA IS THE BEST MAN

  • imoff says:

    My preference would be 5 Frank Rijkaard would be fantastic for Liverpool if only he would be willing ..

  • KD says:

    i think, lfc should try to sign either guardiola or capello…or benitez…

  • Red4Life says:

    RAFA or AVB please

    Players need to look at themselves – should be ashamed of their own performances this season leading the the club legend being de-throned.

    Shame on all you new signings from last season !!

    YNWA

  • Mik says:

    Marcelo Bielsa for me!! I think he would be a great candidate! And he could bring Javi Martinez and Muniain with him!!

  • Salis Braimah says:

    King Kenny was still the best man for me…but out of this lot I’d choose Frank or Rafa for the job.We need a proven manager with experience, someone used to the pressure that comes with a top club, no more experimenting. This is one of the most successful Football clubs in the world, not a 3rd grade science lab. Let’s not forget about the vacant sporting director position either. Getting two decent people in those positions will be giant leap in the right direction

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