The next liverpool manager?

[Morph]

I'd prefer a more educated person as our manager, of all our players now Xabi, might be a good shout if he goes into that field when he quits playing.

[JRC]

Agree about Xabi, can see him being a top coach. I would also like to see Sami brought onto the coaching team when he retires, he has the necessary gravitas and experience.

BTW, is no-one worried that Aragones (?) days may be numbered? Undoubtedly the Spanish FA would put Rafa in the frame. Would he be interested? I suspect it would be a very tough call for him if he were offered the Spanish job.

[JRG]

Yes Xbi and Sammi would be good candidates. I hope Sammi is kep ton the books when he hangs up his boots, he would have a lot to teach the up and coming youngsters.

[knockers]

Not sure I'd fancy Gerrard as manager.

He couldn't make his mind whether to stay or go to the Chavs!

Carra - I can understand. Stevie - not so sure.

I just think that he could get the kind of reaction that Kenny got because of the type of person he is and if he couldn't Carra helping out certainly would!

He was tempted by the chav's but he didn't go did he, he stayed loyal to the club he loves.

I'd never thought of Xabi though, I wonder if he could go on to become a successful manager. He does seem very articulate and maybe could be a suucess.

[carheex]

If Rafa left tomorrow, Hiddink.

Otherwise, maybe Pako in a few years time ?

Or Gary Mac ?

if Rafa left tomorrow, stick Gerrard in as player manager for 8 months and then WHEN madrid sack Benitez (a reflection on them, not him), tell him to get his ass back to work, pronto!

[alunevans]

why do people assume that great players will become great managers? theres not many examples of it.

i'd want liverpool to pick a great manager to replace rafa, not a great player who may or may not become one.

[Bob]

why do people assume that great players will become great managers? theres not many examples of it.

i'd want liverpool to pick a great manager to replace rafa, not a great player who may or may not become one.

At least 5 years experience would be the minimum for me. Last time i looked we're a big ****ing club, and not some toy to be ****ed about with.

[Los Rojos]

I hope Rafa sticks around for a few years yet but it's an interesting debate.

I don't think anyone has mentioned Marcello Lippi. I hear he's learning English at the moment and has been touted as a successor to Taggart at Castle Greyskull. If Rafa left tomorrow then Hiddink would also be a 'possibility'.

Of potential British managers (of which there aren't that many), O'Neill looks the best option. Not sure about Curbishley and while I like Paul Jewell, you can't really see him at the helm at Anfield.

Gary Mac is really the romantics choice and cannot be a serious option until he gets back into football and shows what he can do.

Phil Thompson could be an option. He did a superb job when Houllier was unwell. King Kenny has had his day and shouldn't return as manager.

You have to look at what a manager can potentially do at a club - can they win the Premiership, can they win the Champions League, can they balance the books and can they bring raw talent through. Rafa obviously can (ok he hasn't won the league - yet), but i'm not sure who else could tick all these boxes.

If my arm was forced, I'd probably go for Lippi.

[kopdan]

Alan Hansen would have been great

Next manager could be Paul Jewell

Or Paul Stewart if he gets his badges.

[kopdan]

I hope Rafa sticks around for a few years yet but it's an interesting debate.

I don't think anyone has mentioned Marcello Lippi. I hear he's learning English at the moment and has been touted as a successor to Taggart at Castle Greyskull. If Rafa left tomorrow then Hiddink would also be a 'possibility'.

Of potential British managers (of which there aren't that many), O'Neill looks the best option. Not sure about Curbishley and while I like Paul Jewell, you can't really see him at the helm at Anfield.

Gary Mac is really the romantics choice and cannot be a serious option until he gets back into football and shows what he can do.

Phil Thompson could be an option. He did a superb job when Houllier was unwell. King Kenny has had his day and shouldn't return as manager.

You have to look at what a manager can potentially do at a club - can they win the Premiership, can they win the Champions League, can they balance the books and can they bring raw talent through. Rafa obviously can (ok he hasn't won the league - yet), but i'm not sure who else could tick all these boxes.

If my arm was forced, I'd probably go for Lippi.

Rafa will be gone within 5 years

[Bob]

Alan Hansen would have been great

Next manager could be Paul Jewell

Or Paul Stewart if he gets his badges

Oh, in conclusion

[kopdan]

[Maestro]

BTW, is no-one worried that Aragones (?) days may be numbered? Undoubtedly the Spanish FA would put Rafa in the frame. Would he be interested? I suspect it would be a very tough call for him if he were offered the Spanish job.

No - Rafa's too young for the Spanish job. He'll leave that until much later in his career, I would think. Couldn't foresee him settling for a part-time job at present.

[Rich]

No - Rafa's too young for the Spanish job. He'll leave that until much later in his career, I would think. Couldn't foresee him settling for a part-time job at present.

Agreed, I don't think Rafa will be thinking about Spain for another 10-15 years. To be honest, the maximum length of time for an international manager is 4years after that you are just doing the same thing time and again, which Rafa would hate.

I can see Rafa's plan as being very, very happy at Anfield and probably being surprised by the passion and the family spirit here - I can see see him wanting to stay for the long haul.

Of course he'd like to manage Real Madrid one day, but like it's been mentioned, the way the club is run will really put him off.

[red g]

Think Klinnsman lookslike he could be a great future manager, I would have to go for Lippi or hiddink at the moment;

Rafa will be here for 5 years though and reckon and i am sure by then one of newell/jewll/lee may well have proved themselves capable