The next liverpool manager?

[Howard_lfc]

Should we, at this time, be actively planning for life after Rafa? I may be mistaken but hasn't Rafa said that he'd like to manage Madrid one day? Can't say I blame him if they are 'his' team.

If so, should we be looking to groom somebody - i.e. getting him on board now and letting him serve under Rafa. Or should we be keeping tabs on all managers who we (the club) think may be amenable to an approach from us sometime in the future?

Or would planning for the future in this way be seen as undermining Rafa and his backroom team?

Finally, has anybody got any suggestions as to who they would like to see at our club if Rafa leaves sooner than expected?

H

[Shaggy]

I love the old romantic notion of 'grooming somebody' (pardon the unfortunate turn of phrase) for the role, Boot Room style, but sadly I don't see it happening.

Nor would I like to even begin considering who should be the next manager. We should plan for the future but plan it with Rafa.

It does appear certain that he will manage Real Madrid at some point in the future but it speculating when would be futile. Besides, had I been asked the same question, say, two years before Houllier left, I have to say I never would've suggested Benitez as a replacement.

[Bob]

Should we, at this time, be actively planning for life after Rafa? I may be mistaken but hasn't Rafa said that he'd like to manage Madrid one day? Can't say I blame him if they are 'his' team.

If so, should we be looking to groom somebody - i.e. getting him on board now and letting him serve under Rafa. Or should we be keeping tabs on all managers who we (the club) think may be amenable to an approach from us sometime in the future?

Or would planning for the future in this way be seen as undermining Rafa and his backroom team?

Finally, has anybody got any suggestions as to who they would like to see at our club if Rafa leaves sooner than expected?

H

It would be careless for the board not to consider this on a season by season basis, so IMO it's a worthwhile topic.

We don't seem to have a structure in place to groom a manager like Man U have.

Personally, i think O'Neil is a lot better than people give him credit for. Dare i say Le Guen, though his Rangers career has been less than impressive thus far.

[anfieldanfield]

If Rafa left tomorrow, Hiddink.

Otherwise, maybe Pako in a few years time ?

Or Gary Mac ?

[Morph]

How bout Mourinho if he got bored?

[Shaggy]

Or Gary Mac ?

Again, romantically he would seem the perfect candidate. However, he had a less than auspicious start to his managerial career and it doesn't always work out as you'd hope - eg Souness.

Great shout though and I'd love Gary Mac to one day become a successful manager of Liverpool Football Club.

[anfieldanfield]

Again, romantically he would seem the perfect candidate. However, he had a less than auspicious start to his managerial career and it doesn't always work out as you'd hope - eg Souness.

Great shout though and I'd love Gary Mac to one day become a successful manager of Liverpool Football Club.

If I'm feeling really Romantic, maybe I'd opt for Carragher as the boss, Stevie as his right hand man.

*sigh*

[Shaggy]

Fantasy land!

[Bob]

If Rafa left tomorrow, Hiddink.

Otherwise, maybe Pako in a few years time ?

Or Gary Mac ?

One's a job hopper, other's a coach, other - we need someone who has experience.

[anfieldanfield]

Fantasy land!

Obv.

[The Glove]

How bout Mourinho if he got bored?

I dont even think he would needto be bored. If Rafa's job came up he'd be in like a shot. He'd have been here already if he hadnt gave his word to Chelsea.

[Morph]

I'd be interested to see how readily he would be accepted

[anfieldanfield]

One's a job hopper, other's a coach, other - we need someone who has experience.

Bob, Hiddink would be ideal, job hopper or no job hopper.

He's won a European Cup, domestic titles, speaks several languages, a wealth of experience.

[JRG]

Jason McAteer said on the Tv that he'd love to manage LFC in the future. I on the other hand wouldn't want him anywhere near the club.

[Bob]

Bob, Hiddink would be ideal, job hopper or no job hopper.

He's won a European Cup, domestic titles, speaks several languages, a wealth of experience.

Mate, i'm not disputing his credentials, i think there's no better in the game - should have made that clear. Have a soft spot for Lippi, but he's not cut out for us, non-English speaking etc.