The Liverpool Echo have produced this list of nine possible contenders to replace Colin Pascoe and Mike Marsh on the Reds’ coaching staff. Our assistant manager and first-team coach were both let go during the last seven days and our owners are believed to be on the lookout for replacements – here’s who the Echo have come up with.
SEE MORE:
Five candidates to be the next Liverpool captain – with Jordan Henderson & James Milner
Crazy or clever? Making the case for Liverpool signing Milner, Ings and Bogdan
A realistic Liverpool signing from every Copa America squad: including Tevez and Bundesliga star
In the list below, we take a closer look at the candidates, discuss their previous experience both during and since their playing careers, and consider whether they’d make a good fit at Anfield. Take a look and see if you agree:
We Remember You:
- Sami Hyypia – An extremely popular figure at Anfield, having spent a decade here as a player, making more than 450 appearances in all competitions. After retiring from playing in 2011, he’s gone into management with Bayer Leverkusen and Brighton & Hove Albion – who he left last year after a disappointing start to the season. A coaching job could suit him at this stage in his career and help him develop his craft.
- Jamie Carragher – This Liverpool legend spent his entire career on Merseyside, making more than 700 appearances for the Reds before retiring in 2013 and going into punditry. He’s regularly been tipped with a return to Anfield and after a couple of years break this could be the right time for both parties for him to return. Like Hyypia, he’s help solidify our defence and would be guaranteed to be well received by the fans.
- Bolo Zenden – The Dutchman only had a brief stint at Liverpool as a player – between 2005 and 2007 – but he started two major finals during that time and helped us lift the FA Cup. Since retiring in 2011, he’s enjoyed a fine start to his playing career. He was Rafael Benitez’s assistant when Chelsea won the Europa League two years ago and he’s since helped guide PSV’s reserve side to two good years in the Eerste Divisie.
- Robbie Fowler – Another Reds favourite who had two excellent spells at the club as a player – scoring 128 league goals in 266 games. He’s had one brief foray into management, as player-coach of Thai side Muangthong United, and it appears to be only a matter of time before the striker starts his coaching days in earnest. His return for a third spell on Merseyside would certainly be happily welcomed.
Been There, Done It:
- Pako Ayesteran – The Spaniard spent three years with the Reds working alongside Rafael Benitez, where he helped mastermind our Champions League triumph in 2005 and our FA Cup victory twelve months later. He’s since worked with Benfica, Valencia and become a manager – taking charge of Mexican minnows Tecos and Israeli giants Maccabi Tel Aviv – who he left earlier this year after winning the treble.
- Steve Clarke – Was Kenny Dalglish’s assistant manager during his second spell as Liverpool manager and helped us win the League Cup. He departed following the arrival of Brendan Rodgers, supposedly after being sacked by the Reds. Has since gone into management with West Bromwich Albion – enjoying a couple of good years with them in the top flight – before ending up at Reading, who he took to an FA Cup semi-final.
The Outsiders:
- Rene Meulensteen – The Dutchman did a good job at Manchester United, where he worked under Sir Alex Ferguson. He’s since been into management in Russia, and also with Fulham, who he failed to guide to Premier League safety. He’s been out of work for a year and would no doubt welcome the opportunity.
- Glenn Hoddle – The former England boss hasn’t been involved in management since 2006 but is regularly linked with a variety of posts each year. He held a role at Queens Park Rangers last season under Harry Redknapp and could conceivably do a similar job on Merseyside. It’s an unlikely shout nonetheless.
- Roy Keane – Eughh, no, what were you thinking Echo?!
