Home  »     »   Former Barcelona coach shortening in the betting for Liverpool post

Former Barcelona coach shortening in the betting for Liverpool post

| 23.05.2012

Initially starting out as a 16/1 shot to take over as Liverpool manager, Louis Van Gaal is now attributed a 6/1 price for the role.

Money has come in for Van Gaal, despite suggestions that he is set to take over the position which Damien Comolli vacated late last season.

That would see the 60-year-old Dutchman become the sporting director at Anfield, a role he is currently unfamiliar with, having no previous experience in it.

His managerial credentials are more impressive though, with the Dutchman counting Ajax, Barcelona and Bayern Munich amongst his former clubs, as well as the Dutch national side.

Van Gaal boasts a rich list of accolades from his time in charge at each of these European heavyweights, with a huge trophy haul during an early 90s glory period for Ajax perhaps his most impressive feat.

Success at new clubs has been traditionally instantaneous for Van Gaal, and Liverpool fans would likely welcome the appointment of a coach with such pedigree.

A former Champions League winner, Van Gaal has also won the domestic league title with every club he has been at, and could relish the challenge of ending Liverpool’s 22-year wait for league success.

However, with a penchant for the development and promotion of young talent, the Reds’ owners Fenway Sports Group could opt to offer Van Gaal the Sporting Director role he has been so strongly linked with.

Such a decision may pave the way for current Wigan manager Roberto Martinez, who remains favourite to take over from Kenny Dalglish, after being given permission to speak to the club last week.

Martinez’ odds have further shortened throughout the past week, in light of Brendan Rodgers’ rejection of Liverpool advances, and Jose Mourinho signing a new contract with Real Madrid.

The Spaniard remains clear favourite, but if Liverpool want a man with vast experience of success at a huge European club, they could do much worse than appoint Van Gaal.

«
»

Author

John Klee