Pressure is mounting on Rafael Benitez as reports in Italy suggest that Liverpool are considering sacking him and appointing Inter Milan manager Jose Mourinho as his replacement.
La Gazzetto dello Sport claims that the Spaniard could be replaced by the former Chelsea coach, with whom he enjoyed a strong rivalry during the Portuguese's time at Stamford Bridge, as the Reds continue to endure a torrid start to the season.
Tuesday night's defeat to Lyon in the Champions League condemned the Anfield oufit to their fourth consecutive defeat - a feat last achieved by a Liverpool manager in 1987 - and pressure is growing on the Kop boss to turn the tide in Sunday's must-win clash at home to Manchester United.
According to the paper, Benitez will be out of a job by next week should his side fail to overcome the Red Devils with club legend Kenny Dalglish put in temporary charge until January when a bid for Mourinho will be tabled whilst Serie A enjoys its winter break.
Mourinho, 46, has previously spoken of his admiration for Liverpool but took a swipe at his opposite number last week, claiming that his managerial record at Anfield would not have kept him in a job in Italy.
He said: "Benitez hasn't won a league title in six years but he continues to be Liverpool's coach.
"This is not the Italian mentality. To stay here I must continue winning and do well."
Tottenham Hotspur legend Jurgen Klinsmann is believed to be the second-choice candidate and was approached by Gillett and Hicks in late 2007 about the possibility of replacing Benitez.
This week the German expressed his interest in plying his trade as a manager in England.
He said: You never rule anything out. Once you've experienced the emotions that football can give you, you want to continue having them.
"I never thought I would manage Germany in the World Cup and then become Bayern Munich manager last year."
Despite the reported plans to replace him, dismissing Benitez will come at a cost after he signed a new five-year contract earlier this year. The deal is worth an estimated £20 million and should his contract be terminated, club owners George Gillett and Tom Hicks would have to pay him the full amount.
Gillett stated yesterday that both he and Hicks have faith in Benitez's abilities.
He said: "We have just entered into a long-term agreement with Rafa," he said, recalling the improved deal Benitez signed in March to keep him on Merseyside until 2014.
"Our family is extraordinarily pleased with him, we believe he is absolutely as good as there is in the business.
"The run of results disappoints everybody. Certainly, it disappoints the fans and it disappoints Rafa.
"I have seen his television interview and I know he is disappointed. We are all disappointed, but we are in this together."
.jpg)
Ricky, London around 4 months, 2 weeks ago