This past weekend the rumours of Hodgson being imminently replaced gathered pace once again. On Saturday night several of the more reputable publications ran stories that Kenny Dalglish may be replaced as caretaker manager, until a suitable permanent appointment may be found, but, so far nothing has come of this – see previous blog entry here.
Various names have been mentioned, some that have been doing the rounds for some time and others that may not be so familiar. So who are the men, according to the media, in the running for the job of Liverpool manager?
Frank Rijkaard:
With La Liga and Champions League titles under his belt, Rijkaard has the type of managerial profile expected by Liverpool supporters and a recent online poll saw his name top the list of preferred candidates ahead even of Kenny Dalglish. He was also the man who brought youth products Victor Valdes, Carlos Puyol, Xavi and Andres Iniesta into his Barcelona side. Currently out of work following his difficult period with Turkish side Galatasaray, Rijkaard is one of the few who would be immediately available.
Jürgen Klopp:
Klopp, 43, is rated as one of the best young bosses in Europe. He’s currently in charge of Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga, being 10 points clear, having the best scoring record and best defensive record in the league. With his side currently flying in the league it looks unlikely that he would be immediately available and more likely to prefer a summer approach.
Andre Villa-Boas:
Another manager who’s side currently top the league, this time in Portugal. He learned everything he knows from Jose Mourinho and while his age, 33, may raise eyebrows, FSG have shown a preference for youth – having appointed Theo Epstein as general manager of the Boston Red Sox as a 28-year-old in 2002. Villa-Boas recently extended his contract with FC Porto until 2013, his side currently sit top of the Portuguese league and may be another candidate unlikely to move mid-season
Didier Deschamps:
Currently managing Marseille and reported to have turned down an approach from Liverpool representatives in the summer. Deschamps started coaching at Monaco in 2001 after a playing career in which he won the European Cup twice, with Marseille and Juventus, and the World Cup and European Championship as France's captain. Deschamps joined Marseille in May 2009 after a spell in charge at Juventus and he enjoyed an excellent first season, ending the club's 18-year wait for the Ligue 1 title and winning the League Cup.
Ralf Rangnick:
A name that may not have been previously familiar but rumours have been gathering about the 52 year old German. Was only very recently in charge of Hoffenheim, who currently lie mid-table in the Bundesliga.
Appointed as Coach in 2006, Hoffenheim were playing in the regional third tier of German football. His first season in charge saw Hoffenheim finish second earning promotion to Bundesliga 2.
Previously part-time, the side turned fully professional for the 2007/08 campaign, and despite a slow start finished second to reach the top flight. Heavy investment in players followed and Hoofenheim were the league leaders at the winter break. However, injuries to key players saw the team fall away to finish seventh.
Despite the sides’ unprecedented rise through the leagues, Rangnick was criticised by Hopp the following season as Hoffenheim struggled to 11th place. Prior to his leaving, Hoffenheim had only one win in six games, including four consecutive draws which has seen the side drop from fifth to eighth place in the table.
Martin O’Neill:
Currently out of work following his departure from Aston Villa, and has a history of overachievement with sides he’s taken on. He was the first Celtic manager to take the team into the revamped Champions League, something he managed three times in total. He also guided Celtic to the 2003 UEFA Cup Final in Seville. In his five seasons at Celtic Park, O'Neill won three League titles, three Scottish Cups, and a League Cup.
His record with Aston Villa was more modest; however, he did guide the side to their first cup final for 10 years, losing to Manchester Utd in the Carling Cup February 2010.
The Usual Suspects:
Rafa Benitez: well known to almost every Liverpool supporter and currently out of a job following his sacking by Inter Milan. Popular with the fans but does not appear to be a likely candidate at the moment. Stranger things have happened in football though.
Kenny Dalglish: fan-favourite and living LFC legend, Dalglish would be a massively popular choice and one that perhaps should have been made in the summer instead of Roy Hodgson. (See previous blog entry by clicking here) Dalglish feels as though he still has unfinished business to complete at Liverpool FC – question is, will he be given the chance?
Of course, this list is only of the most common names doing the rounds at the moment (other outlets have mentioned Owen Coyle and even Sam Allardyce(!)) and it will be interesting to see who/when FSG appoint their man.
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