Not for the first, and probably not for the last time, speculation surrounds Rafa Benitez regarding his future as manager of Liverpool. Some would argue that the only thing that stopped him from leaving Anfield a week or so ago was his respect for the Liverpool fans and for the people that work with him on a daily basis. Others would point to a timely 1-0 away win over Real Madrid in the Champions League. Whatever anyone says about the Reds boss, if his career as Liverpool boss does come to an end, an alternative career within Westminster could be on the cards!
This is not the first time since his arrival that Benitez has come this close to supposedly resigning, although on two other occasions alleged offers from Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and a couple of other major European clubs led him to reassess his future at Anfield. On both occasions he decided to stay put and the club improved his contractual situation. This combined, with a never-ending battle for control over transfer policy with the Anfield board, is not to dissimilar to the behaviour of a modern day political manipulator.
According to sources this time around, it is his desperation with the Barry transfer saga this summer, the lack of a satisfactory conclusion to the Alonso transfer and the gaping hole on the left hand side of midfield – yet to be filled – that are the major causes of his dissatisfaction and frustration. This has nothing to do with his contract of course! Or the fact that he has failed to find the solution for Liverpool’s poor form at home in the league.
The situation at Anfield has been more confusing than Gordon Brown’s proposal for economic resurgence over the last few months – with the Gareth Barry saga and the Robbie Keane fiasco – that Benitez felt the need to explain recently, that he was not involved in either transfers: another way of saying that if it did not take place, then it was not his fault. Do Liverpool supporters really buy that?
According to different sources, Benitez would have liked Gareth Barry to have been his first signing of the summer, ahead of even Robbie Keane, and by now the squad would have been closed. Instead, there is at least one new player to come in, although Liverpool have not yet given up hope in signing the Villa midfielder. The club, according to sources close to Tom Hicks, can afford Gareth Barry or a new left winger without the need to sell anybody.
One final factor, that influenced Benitez’ decision to stay for the time being, was his belief that the team is set for a very good end to the season and that they are in a position to improve on last year. So Liverpool fans, does seven point deficit to United in the league and early exit from both domestic Cup competitions really represent a side that has improved from last year? Perhaps only Rafa’s European magic can save the reds and maybe, just maybe, his job!
