There are at least a dozen names being linked to the Manager’s post at LFC. Some are likely, others are quite improbable, but then there are many issues to take into consideration, the first one being that the Club cannot risk another massive move in the wrong direction.
The most palpable names have been those of Roy Hodgson and a return to management for King Kenny (which is unlikely and perhaps more beneficial for the Club is he keeps this important ambassadorial role which has turned out to be a buffer between the fans and the establishment).
Other names being mentioned are (or were) Guus Hiddink (under contract and expensive), Martin O’Neill (under contract and Lerner tends to keep him happy), Mark Hughes (Man Utd blood at Liverpool?), Sven Goran Ericksson (too flamboyant and never impressed me much), Jurgen Klinssman (not Liverpool material) and the latest being Marcello Lippi (free agent after World Cup) and David Moyes (is someone trying to instigate civil war on Merseyside?). Have I missed anyone, if I have, perhaps it’s because they fall within the improbable category.
If the above represent the essence of what may come Liverpool’s way, then I humbly propose my two preferences which are Roy Hodgson and Marcello Lippi. Roy Hodgson is a solid choice. He is not an expensive option; he tends to keep a low profile, and has always done a decent job with what’s at his disposal. Marcello Lippi is the epitome of Italian tacticians. Coming from the beautiful seaside resort of Viareggio, he might find life slightly harsh on Merseyside, but he might, just might, relish the challenge, not forgetting the fact that he is a free agent once the World Cup is over.
As for the players, everyone is predicting a mass exodus of players from Liverpool, but other than players that were already on the way out, I don’t see any big name leaving, apart from Mascherano of course, who has become Rafa’s golden boy and who would not mind joining the large posse of Argentinean players at Inter (Samuel, Cambiasso, Milito and Zanetti). His wife would not mind that either I suppose.
I just hope we make the right choice, and we make it quickly!