Source: Team_Talk
Reds in no rush to replace Benitez
iverpool have set no deadline on their search for a new manager at Anfield following the departure of Rafael Benitez on Thursday.[LNB] The Champions League-winning Spaniard parted company with the Reds by mutual consent after six years at the Anfield helm.[LNB]The development came as no surprise after a night of intense speculation on Merseyside.[LNB]The 50-year-old had four years remaining on his contract but has paid the price for the club's disappointing 2009-10 season, in which they finished a disappointing seventh in the Premier League.[LNB]Benitez is thought to have agreed a £6million compensation package and attention will now turn to the identity of his successor with several high-profile names already in the frame.[LNB]Martin O'Neill and Roy Hodgson, managers of Aston Villa and Fulham respectively, are among the favourites - as is Guus Hiddink, despite his recent appointment as the Turkish national team coach.[LNB]With owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett planning to sell the club, former Reds boss Kenny Dalglish, now an Academy ambassador, could also be a short-term option.[LNB]The club have already said Anfield legend Dalglish, manager from 1985-91, will assist managing director Christian Purslow in the recruitment process.[LNB]Installing the 59-year-old Scot, widely regarded as the club's greatest ever player, would at least be popular with supporters at a time when confidence in the hierarchy is low.[LNB]Fans last night gathered in numbers to protest against Hicks and Gillett and the regime which has saddled the club with a debt of £351million.[LNB]Although Benitez had lost the backing of a large percentage of fans, a significant hardcore maintained their support and preferred to focus their ire on the American owners.[LNB]James McKenna, of the Spirit of Shankly fans' group, said: "No manager should be undermined by the financial situation of a football club and that is what has happened.[LNB]"Last season was disappointing but to me that is a direct consequence of the financial mismanagement of this club.[LNB]"Rafa is a world-class manager and he will probably go on to bigger and better things."[LNB]Benitez, who is being tipped as a potential successor to Jose Mourinho at Inter Milan, earned a place in Anfield folklore by guiding Liverpool to 2005 Champions League glory in his first season.[LNB]He followed that with FA Cup success in 2006 and another Champions League final appearance 12 months later. After finishing runners-up in the Premier League in 2009, many expected a serious title tilt this year but it failed to materialise.[LNB]Early elimination from the Champions League was followed by a failure to finish in the top four and to re-qualify for Europe's elite event.[LNB]Nevertheless, despite failing to land a first domestic title since 1990, Benitez will not be forgotten for his impact and the jubilation of Istanbul 2005.[LNB]Benitez said: "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.[LNB]"I have no words to thank you enough for all these years and I am very proud to say that I was your manager.[LNB]"Thank you so much once more and always remember: you'll never walk alone."
