Monday, February 6th, 2012
There are fresh rumours over the future of the Liverpool hot seat after Alex McLeish’s name has been heard being whispered among Premier League boardrooms to be linked with Rafael Benitez’s job. Even though there have been clear signals from Italy’s Juventus that they are interested in having the Spaniard leading the club next season, Benitez has been steadfast in his denials of wanting to make the switch. That has not stopped new speculation that the current Birmingham City boss is in line to replace him if such a managerial merry go round takes place.
It would not be a real surprise if McLeish is indeed the private choice of the Liverpool owners and management. The Scotsman has increased his stock this season after leading Birmingham City to a credible showing and securing their EPL live status earlier than expected. This was all done with a limited budget at the beginning of the season. There are also claims that the Midlands club will not have to be paid a huge compensation as his contract with them does not stipulate such terms, which will be very attractive to the tight fisted and cashstrapped Anfield club owners.
The other alternative that has been mentioned numerous times would be Inter Milan manager Jose Mourinho. However, Mourinho will not come cheap which makes him priced out of Liverpool’s reach. Even if they were able to raise the cash for his superstar signature, they would not have the transfer funds for him to work with. The Portuguese is widely known to demand enough funds at every club he has chosen to manage after FC Porto. That would make him a more suitable choice for Manchester City since the club is now awashed with oil money.
The possible arrival of McLeish at Liverpool might also herald the return of some traditions of the Liverpool bootroom, made famous in the club’s early days before the English Premier League was formed, when Scottish managers were the choice, bringing discipline and strong mentality to the team, something lacking at the club since Kenny Dalglish’s fateful departure. McLeish is also said to be a spitting image of his former boss at Aberdeen, Sir Alex Ferguson. It would be interesting if the Scot did become Liverpool’s next boss as it would pit him against Ferguson in trying to restore Anfield to its former glories, ironically taken away from them by Manchester United.
It might also lead to a harsh culling of the present Liverpool squad, many of which are labelled as not good enough for the club, such as Lucas Leiva, Ryan Babel, Alberto Aquilani and more.
Tags: Alex McLeish, Birmingham City, Jose Mourinho, Liverpool, Liverpool managers, Rafael Benitez