AVB and Martinez the front-runners for Kop job

LONDON: Liverpool will step up their pursuit of a new manager by holding talks with former Chelsea coach Andre Villas-boas next week.

After two high-profile candidates publicly removed themselves from the recruitment process, Villas-boas and Wigan manager Roberto Martinez now look likely to go head to head to replace Kenny Dalglish.

Earlier, Borussia Dortmund’s Juergen Klopp and Swansea’s Brendan Rodgers said they would be remaining at their respective clubs rather than accept any invitations to meet the Anfield hierarchy.

Rodgers, however, may yet come back into the reckoning if an initial round of interviews does not lead to an appointment.

Associates of former Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez have also approached the club to request an interview with the American owners, Fenway Sports Group (FSG). Liverpool insist there is no prospect of Benitez returning.

Klopp, a two-time Bundesliga winner and one of the most sought after, progressive coaches in Europe, rejected Liverpool’s interest because he is intent on competing in next year’s Champions League as part of an exciting new era for his club.

“I have been made aware of interest from England, and it is an honour to be linked with big clubs in the Premier League,” said Klopp.

“But I have a contract with Dortmund until 2016 and am going nowhere. I love it here and have no intention of changing clubs.”

Rodgers with drew after it emerged Liverpool intended to interview numerous candidates.

One of the most gifted coaches in the Premier League, he elected to commit himself to the Liberty Stadium rather than join what may become a drawn out recruitment process.

After an initial list of as many of eight names, conversations were continuing at Anfield on Friday and it is believed principal owner John Henry wishes to interview as many as 12 candidates.

This is standard procedure filling sporting roles in American sports, but European football tends to entertain a different protocol.

There is a danger candidates will feel they have as much chance of being publicly rejected for the job as receiving an offer, and that will make them twitchy about agreeing to be interviewed.

Liverpool’s hopes of keeping their moves discreet were blown away when Wigan manager Dave Whelan announced the first approach for Martinez, which prompted the Merseyside club to reassure their supporters there were managers with a more successful pedigree also under consideration.

Martinez is a serious contender, however. Liverpool believe the opportunity on a grand stage such as Anfield could bring out his potential and the example of Pep Guardiola’s instant success at Barcelona as a relative novice is being cited as an example of how rookies can flourish.

Doubters, however, are pointing out instantly successful managers such as Guardiola had experience as a player at the highest level and fully understood his environment.

Martinez has never worked in such demanding circumstances as either a player or coach. That would make him a huge gamble.

At the same time, Villas-boas’ chances have been enhanced and discussions with his representatives began on Friday.

The Portuguese coach has keenly studied the history of the Merseyside club during his formative years as a coach, and although scarred by his turbulent period at Chelsea, in many ways he seems an ideal fit for the philosophy the FSG wishes to introduce.

Villas-boas’agent carlos goncalves said the 34 year-old would be keen to return to the Premier League.

“If an interesting project comes about, we will certainly take it into consideration,” he said.

Others such as Guardiola and Fabio Capello are being sounded out, but remain highly ambitious targets.

The Liverpool job requires a commitment to rebuilding and formulating a long-term plan, and Henry has gone on record previously admitting a young coach is the way forward. — The Daily Telegraph