Liverpool have started their search for a new manager – admitting they have nobody lined up if Rafa Benitez quits for Juventus.
Even though there have been doubts about the future of Kop boss Benitez for months, Liverpool have only just begun canvassing opinion and sounding out sources on who would be the man for the job.
It’s another indication of the uncertainty at Anfield, with American owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett trying to sell the club.
The obvious target, Jose Mourinho, is unlikely to accept, as he is waiting to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United and believes his chances of eventually landing that job would be damaged if he joined arch-rivals Liverpool.
Mourinho’s controversial, confrontational style - again evident in Barcelona last week when his Inter Milan side reached the Champions’ League final - means he doesn’t have universal support at Old Trafford.
But the former Chelsea manager’s brilliant record makes him the favourite to follow Fergie, who would approve of the appointment.
Mourinho could also have the offer this summer of what he would regard as a more-exciting challenge than Liverpool - Real Madrid.
So Liverpool could end up considering Bayern Munich’s Dutch boss Louie Van Gaal - Mourinho’s European Cup final opponent.
Another Dutchman, Guus Hiddink, appears to be out of reach after agreeing to become manager of Turkey.
Aston Villa’s Martin O’Neill and Birmingham’s Alex McLeish will be considered and Fulham’s Roy Hodgson, despite being 62, could be discussed after succeeding where Benitez failed in getting his team into the Europa League final.
The answer could even already be at the club in former manager and Academy Ambassador Kenny Dalglish.
But until Benitez’ future is resolved, the chaotic situation at Anfield will continue.
Even though there have been doubts about the future of Kop boss Benitez for months, Liverpool have only just begun canvassing opinion and sounding out sources on who would be the man for the job.
It’s another indication of the uncertainty at Anfield, with American owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett trying to sell the club.
The obvious target, Jose Mourinho, is unlikely to accept, as he is waiting to succeed Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United and believes his chances of eventually landing that job would be damaged if he joined arch-rivals Liverpool.
Mourinho’s controversial, confrontational style - again evident in Barcelona last week when his Inter Milan side reached the Champions’ League final - means he doesn’t have universal support at Old Trafford.
But the former Chelsea manager’s brilliant record makes him the favourite to follow Fergie, who would approve of the appointment.
Mourinho could also have the offer this summer of what he would regard as a more-exciting challenge than Liverpool - Real Madrid.
So Liverpool could end up considering Bayern Munich’s Dutch boss Louie Van Gaal - Mourinho’s European Cup final opponent.
Another Dutchman, Guus Hiddink, appears to be out of reach after agreeing to become manager of Turkey.
Aston Villa’s Martin O’Neill and Birmingham’s Alex McLeish will be considered and Fulham’s Roy Hodgson, despite being 62, could be discussed after succeeding where Benitez failed in getting his team into the Europa League final.
The answer could even already be at the club in former manager and Academy Ambassador Kenny Dalglish.
But until Benitez’ future is resolved, the chaotic situation at Anfield will continue.
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