Liverpool’s search for a new manager is continuing but the club’s owners, Fenway Sports Group, appear closer than ever to an appointment with Louis van Gaal (6/1 – Next Permanent Liverpool manager) and Roberto Martinez (6/5f) the two main men in the frame.
The Reds sacked club legend Kenny Dalglish last week following a disappointing Premier League campaign and immediately begun an exhaustive search for a new man.
Brendan Rodgers, Jurgen Klopp, Frank De Boer and, in the past 24 hours, Andre Villas-Boas (4/1) have all apparently been ruled out of the equation for a job that might look attractive but has so far failed to generate too much concrete interest.
Liverpool have been given permission to speak to Wigan boss Martinez but his current holiday has so far prevented the Spaniard from having an official interview, although that is likely to be forthcoming next week upon his return.
Latics owner Dave Whelan has said he wants a resolution to the situation within a week of his manager’s return on Tuesday and insists it is not a foregone conclusion Martinez will depart, amid ongoing interest from Aston Villa as well.
However, the former Swansea boss seems a good fit for Anfield, despite lukewarm appreciation of his talents from the Liverpool fans so far. He satisfies FSG’s edict of a young, hungry coach capable of building a lasting legacy and his attacking, attractive footballing philosophy is apparently exactly what John W Henry and co are after.
He has yet to be tested at a big club, though, and that remains the big risk in appointing the still relatively inexperienced 38-year-old. There is also a nagging fear that his impressive reputation may have been cultivated by a talkative Whelan, keen to ensure he secures a decent compensation figure when he does depart the DW when, in reality, he has struggled with relegation in consecutive seasons at Wigan.
So, while Martinez remains the clear favourite, perhaps the smart money should be on former Ajax, Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Holland boss van Gaal getting the job.
If you believe the reports, Liverpool want him on board in a new Director of Football role but the 60-year-old is thought to be keen to take the manager’s job himself.
His CV is certainly impressive; winning the Dutch league three times with Ajax and once with AZ, the Spanish title twice while at Barca and the German Bundesliga once at Bayern. He also won the Champions League when in his native Holland in 1995 and has several domestic cups to his extensive honours list.
He is clearly a winner and has the credentials and also favours an attacking style of football, but his age may go against him in the final reckoning and the Director of Football position might not appeal if he wants the top job.
Outsiders at this stage include Rodgers (7/1), former Barcelona boss Frank Rijkaard (12/1) and ex-Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez (16/1), who, despite holding plenty of fans’ support, is nowhere near even being considered it seems.
FSG are edging closer to an appointment, then, but it could still take a couple of weeks before the new man, charged with no less than getting the Reds back into top four next term, is known.
Want £200 Free? Click here to visit Bet365 and claim your free money.
Arsenal know they need a footballing miracle if they are to turn around a 4-0 deficit against AC Milan in the second leg of their Champions League knock-out tie at the Emirates on Tuesday (Arsenal 11/10, draw 5/2, AC Milan 5/2 – 90 Minute).
Manchester United supporters are likely to take a dim view of Sir Alex Ferguson’s admission that the “type” of world-class midfielder needed to fill the void created by Paul Scholes is “not available” (Man United 7/4 – Premier League 2011/12 Outright).
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.