Liverpool have begun the search for a manager they hope will help them challenge for the Premier League title (10/1 to win) next season after confirming Rafa Benitez has left Anfield.
The Spaniard has finally paid the price for last season’s dismal campaign and after the two parties agreed a severance package earlier today, he was sent on his merry way.
Rumours over the future of Benitez have been rumbling on for the last few months but it only broke late on Wednesday night that he could be heading for the exit door.
The 50-year-old says it is with regret that he leaves Anfield after six years at the helm but he will have no problem getting fixed up elsewhere, with Inter Milan keen to land him.
“It is very sad for me to announce that I will no longer be manager of Liverpool FC,” Benitez revealed. “I would like to thank all of the staff and players for their efforts. I’ll always keep in my heart the good times I’ve had here, the strong and loyal support of the fans in the tough times and the love from Liverpool.
“I have no words to thank you enough for all these years and I am very proud to say that I was your manager. Thank you so much once more and always remember: You’ll never walk alone.”
Benitez will always be remembered for winning a fifth European Cup but it is ultimately his failure to bring the Premier League title to Anfield that has cost him.
Last season’s seventh place finish, coupled with an early exit from the Champions League, did not help matters and with clubs abroad showing an interest, the two parties have come to a mutual agreement to end Benitez’s tenure.
The race is now on to find his successor with Kenny Dalglish (5/2f to be next Liverpool manager) and Martin O’Neill (5/2f) the early frontrunners, while Roy Hodgson (7/2) and Guus Hiddink (10/1) have also been mentioned.
It would have been interesting to see if Jose Mourinho would have fancied it but he has just taken over at Real Madrid and is out of the running.
Despite Liverpool’s struggles on and off the pitch over the last couple of seasons it is still arguably one of the biggest jobs in world football and there will be no shortage of top names declaring an interest.
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