Source: Daily_Mail
Jamie Redknapp: Kenny Dalglish will be Anfield's Mr Motivator
The last player Kenny Dalglish signed for Liverpool two decades ago was Sportsmail's Jamie Redknapp.[LNB] In the summer, Jamie wrote that Liverpool should turn to Dalglish in their hour of need. Now they have, but his appointment has given rise to as many questions as answers. So here former Liverpool captain Redknapp gives his views on the sensational re-appointment of his mentor.[LNB] We know he's a great figure in Liverpool's history, but can he coach in the modern game? [LNB]Jamie: He can coach, but he doesn't need to. He's a motivator, an inspiration, like Sir Alex Ferguson, or my dad (Harry Redknapp). Kenny will talk to the players, help them one on one, improve them. He knows the game. [LNB] Crowd favourite: delighted Liverpool fans show support for King Kenny at Old Trafford[LNB]But the game has changed, hasn't it? [LNB]Jamie: Look, if anything, Liverpool's players are tired of being over-coached. That is not a criticism of Rafa Benitez or Roy Hodgson. They are technical coaches, but the Liverpool players have been coached to death. Drills are effective and essential at times, but they can be boring. There are times when players think 'I could murder a five-a-side'. Kenny will get them looking forward to their work. [LNB]Will the dressing room have the same respect as 20 years ago? [LNB]Jamie: You can't play for Liverpool without knowing about Kenny Dalglish. His photograph is everywhere. Most of the players might not have seen him play, but they will be aware of his presence. He will lift and inspire them; how often recently have you seen the Liverpool players looking like they are enjoying their football? Kenny will bring the feelgood factor back to the dressing room and back to the club. [LNB] Look who's back: Dalglish agreed to a Liverpool reunion after Hodgson was sacked [LNB]What style of play can we expect? [LNB]Jamie: They will attack a lot more. Liverpool have been functional and effective for the last six years, with sporadic moments of flair. Kenny will ask them to play without fear. Is he too old at 59? Jamie: Nonsense. My dad, Sir Alex, Arsene Wenger - are they too old? Or are they at the peak of their powers? It's a great age to be a manager. He will bring experience and knowledge. He's fit, sharp and ready for this opportunity. He will know when and how to change a game when it is going wrong. I still talk regularly to him and do not underestimate his passion for the game. He loves football. [LNB]What are his strengths? [LNB]Jamie: He knows a player. I would say that, I guess! Seriously, he understands the game. He has no magic wand, anyone who thinks that is an idiot. Also, he's such a bad loser, you almost let him beat you at golf, because he cannot stand a defeat. He will demand improvement. [LNB]What's your favourite memory of him? [LNB]Jamie: I have many, but the day he resigned stands out. I was staying in digs and when I got back after hearing the news, I was in tears. I thought my Liverpool career would be over before it started. Not only had he signed me, but he was like a father figure to me. We played golf together, his lovely wife Marina would cook food for me and he took an interest in me beyond the call of duty, because he knew my dad and how close we were. [LNB] In black and white: Jamie backed Kenny in the summer [LNB]I was 17, away from home and he took special care of me. Then he was gone. But that day, the day he resigned and his world was caving in, he found time to call me. In the days before mobile phones, I was in my room at my digs and Mrs Sainsbury said: 'It's a call for you - it's Kenny.' I remember thinking 'Kenny who?' But I was overwhelmed that he took time to call me. He said: 'You will be all right, I will make sure of that.' His influence at Liverpool reached far deeper into the club, even when he was no longer manager. [LNB]What should he do next? [LNB]Jamie: Kenny Dalglish doesn't need me to tell him what to do, but I would appoint Jamie Carragher to the coaching staff immediately. Don't wait for England to ask Carra. He's Liverpool's player. From day one, he should be involved as a player-coach. Jamie has a lot to offer; let's start preparing for the next generation now. Kenny will want and need specialists around him.[LNB]Will the appointment of Kenny Dalglish as Liverpool manager work? [LNB]Jamie: I think it will. He's Liverpool's Special One and they need him. It's the right move by the board. He needs to restore some of the traditional values, inspire the players and engage with the supporters. He will need help from the board and finance to improve a squad who are weak. Who was the last top player they signed? Torres. That was a long time ago. They've wasted money on too many average players. They need quality on the pitch, too.[LNB] Babel facing FA investigation after Twitter attack on Howard Webb32 seconds into his first game after 20 years away... Kenny Kops it! Liverpool caught in race row as FA probe Youth Cup tie with Crystal PalaceI didn't dive! Berbatov insists he was tripped in lead up to decisive penaltyLIVERPOOL FC
