Source: Telegraph
Liverpool linked with Jose Mourinho as Rafael Benitez replacement
The Spaniard's future at Anfield has been the topic of speculation for months owing to contractual disagreements. [LNB]With Benitez apprehensive about putting pen to paper, The Mirror[LNB] reports that Hicks and Gillett have been eager to speak with Mourinho after he said he would be interested in a move back to the Premier League. [LNB]Frank Rijkaard, AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti and Sven-Goran Eriksson are also said to be on the list of potential candidates, but Liverpool are expected to deny having links with any other managers. [LNB]Benitez's comments after the club's 1-0 win at the Bernabeu in the Champions League would suggest that rumours of Mourinho taking over are entirely unsubstantiated. [LNB]In a bid to end all rumours, and insisting the majority of reports are merely media fabrications, he said: "Believe me, I am staying. I know all about the news in England but I can tell you I am thinking to stay and I want to work hard for this club. [LNB]"I am clear in that I am not thinking about resigning. What I want to do is keep working for my club and keep trying to win. [LNB]'My lawyer has been talking with advisors of the owners today and we will talk in the future."[LNB]Meanwhile, midfielder Javier Mascherano has said the squad were overjoyed at hearing the news their manager was staying. [LNB]Benitez rescued Mascherano from West Ham in 2007 after he had been left on the bench for almost six months. [LNB]Owing his career turnaround to the Spaniard, Mascherano said: "I am delighted he as said he is staying. We are a top side and Rafa has got us playing at this level. We are a team that works really hard and the manager has to take credit for that."[LNB]
