Friday, June 04, 2010

Who Are The Favourites To Replace Rafa Benítez As Liverpool Manager?


With Rafa Benitez’s future in doubt at Liverpool, we look at the runners and riders who may replace him as Martin O’Neill, Roy Hodgson, Laurent Blanc and Alex McLeish continue to dominate the bookmakers’ thoughts.

Martin O'Neill

Current club: Aston Villa
Fair Kop: O’Neill has been successful at what ever level he has worked at, winning titles in Scotland and rebuilding Aston Villa. Hasn’t always had a lot of money either, which might be a plus for the Liverpool board.
This isn’t Anfield: Success in Scotland is one thing but O’Neill appears to have plateaued at Aston Villa and unproven at the very top of the game.
Fan’s favourite: O’Neill plays a pragmatic, direct, if exciting brand of football that may not sit well with some. But his belt and braces approach might be just the thing they crave in austere times.
Current odds: 13/8

Roy Hodgson

Current club: Fulham
Fair Kop: Hodgson’s stock has never been higher after taking ‘little’ Fulham to the Europa League final. A deep thinker on the game with bucket loads of experience, both at home and abroad.
This isn’t Anfield: While Hodgson is well regarded he falls short of the kind of box office name Liverpool fans might expect.
Fan’s favourite: Everyone loves ‘Uncle Roy’.
Current odds: 9/2

Kenny Dalglish

Current club: Liverpool
Fair Kop: Dalglish gave Liverpool their last title and is a club legend, as well as knowing the inner workings of the place better than anyone.
This isn’t Anfield: Been out of the management game for a while now and risks staining his reputation if he returns in difficult circumstances and fails.
Fan’s favourite: Yes.
Current odds: 10/1

Laurent Blanc

Current club: Available
Fair Kop: Hugely respected after taking Bordeaux to the title and quarter-finals of the Champions League in his first job in management after an illustrious playing career, including a spell in England.
This isn’t Anfield: Still callow in managerial terms and that his time in England was spent at Old Trafford goes against him.
Fan’s favourite: If they can look past the feeling he is being groomed to take over from Sir Alex Ferguson at United.
Current odds: 11/1

Jorge Jesus

Current club: Benfica
Fair Kop: A measured, intelligent coach Jesus made his name at Braga before taking Benfica to the Portuguese title and back in to the Champions League in some style.
This isn’t Anfield: No experience of the Premier League might count against him.
Fan’s favourite: The Kop saw first hand the quality of his team in this year’s Europa League and can’t fail to have been impressed.
Current odds: 12/1

Alex McLeish

Current club: Birmingham City
Fair Kop: In the running for manager of the year for a short while as Birmingham City enjoyed a fantastic season in the Premier League when tipped to struggle.
This isn’t Anfield: Liverpool would be a step up and he is being backed by the Birmingham board at present and might favour that to the madhouse of Anfield.
Fan’s favourite: Again not the big name fans would crave but a solid record at Birmingham and Rangers would buy him some grace.
Current odds: 14/1

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