Liverpool reported to be ready to replace manager
Sky sources understand that
discussions are under way over the future of Rafa Benitez as Liverpool
manager.
It is believed that the Anfield board are ready to try and replace
the Spaniard in the wake of a dismal season for the Merseyside outfit.Benitez only recently signed a new long-term contract at Liverpool
and would be entitiled to a
significant severance package if he were to be shown the door.The Reds, who have refused to comment on the reports, are said to be prepared to offer the former Valencia
boss, who came to the club in
the summer of 2004, a £3million pay-off to walk away.There have even been some unconfirmed rumours on Merseyside that the coach, who led the club to UEFA Champions League
glory in 2005, has already been
sacked.Benitez's agent refused to discuss reports the Spaniard is set to depart for pastures new.
Speculation
Manuel Garcia Quilon said: "We don't know anything more than what's being said. We're not saying anything."With owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks
trying to sell the debt-ridden
club, sources on Merseyside report that only around £5million is
available to spend on new players, which would prevent significant
strengthening.The Reds boss, who is currently on holiday, has been the subject of intense speculation as to whether he will depart Anfield this summer, with Inter Milan
reported to be interested in
his services.Liverpool were expected to mount a serious challenge on all fronts in the season just finished after finishing second in the Premier League in the previous campaign and appearing to have a squad capable of delivering their first title since 1990.
However, the campaign was a huge disappointment, with the club finishing seventh in the Premier League, crashing out of the UEFA Champions League at the group stage and being dumped out of the FA Cup at the first hurdle by Reading,
before a defeat at the hands of
Atletico Madrid in the semi-finals in the
Europa League.In what has been a turbulent year, with the futures of key players Steven Gerrard
and Fernando Torres also in doubt, Liverpool's
board may already be looking for a new manager to replace Benitez, with
Turkey boss Guus Hiddink one man reportedly in the frame.