EPL Update: Kenny Dalglish wanted to be Liverpool’s new manager- management didn’t agree
The Merseyside legend for Reds, Kenny Dalglish has admitted that he himself wanted to be the Liverpool manager before Roy Hodgson joined the club this season.
The managerial position was open this season at Anfield after the club fired the Spaniard Rafael Benitez. During the summers, Liverpool players had declared that they no longer trust the 50 year old Rafa’s ability to lead them to silverware after the manager
had been unable to capitalize on the opportunities this season, in the end finishing at 7th in the English Premier League.
The Anfield board was forced to can the manager. Meanwhile, Dalglish, who happens to be the head of football development at Liverpool apart from being its Ambassador also, was reckoned as one of the options who could bring the club out of its misery. Dalglish
had earlier brought joy to Anfield by winning the title in 1990. He featured in over 500 matches for the Merseyside during its paramount era. Kenny played as a forward and scored 169 goals.
He now has published his biography ‘Dalglish in his own words’ in which he has explained what happened at Anfield this season. He writes, “When it was clear Rafa was going, Christian Purslow asked me to get involved in the selection process for the next
manager”. He continued, “I had to let them (the board) know my real views. I wanted the job and couldn't miss the opportunity. One day, I was in a meeting with Christian and the chairman, Martin Broughton, and I formally put my name forward. 'We don't want
you, Kenny', came the reply. Fine! That's their prerogative. They explained that they had different plans for me, a position with greater longevity”, said the Liverpool legend, who was the 11th hour Samaritan for the club during the late 80s.
The 59-year-old added that it was the right time for current Inter Milan manager Rafael Benitez to leave Liverpool. “It was right for everybody that Rafa Benitez left - for him and for Liverpool. There just comes a stage in every manager's career when the
board says, 'You've been good for the club but we feel it would be best if you go'”. He claimed that he had no issues with Roy Hodgson now and they both have the club’s interests at their hearts. “Sometimes, it works the same way for a manager - 'I've done
my time. There's no animosity but it's time to have a go somewhere else'”.
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