• Premier League

Benitez backs Dalglish as next Liverpool manager

ESPN Soccernet staff
June 16, 2010
"The fans are unhappy" - Benitez © Getty Images
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New Inter Milan boss Rafa Benitez has insisted that he still has a good relationship with his former Liverpool players, and he has backed Kenny Dalglish as the best man to replace him in the Anfield hotseat.

Benitez left Liverpool by mutual consent after a poor season which saw them only qualify for the Europa League by virtue of Portsmouth's inability to compete in Europe while in administration. Now Dalglish and Roy Hodgson are the main names in contention to replace the Spaniard, although Hodgson appears to be winning the race - against the wishes of fans.

"I think they should look at Kenny Dalglish," stated Benitez. "He is the best man for the job. The owners should listen to the fans because they are unhappy.

"No one knows the club better than Dalglish and he would be perfect there. He wants the job and in my opinion should get it."

Benitez, who replaces Jose Mourinho as coach of the Nerrazzuri, said: "I had contact with 95% of the players (after I left). Everything was fine, very good messages, very positive messages.

"The relationship is really good with the majority. Maybe you have some members of the team who are not happy, but it has been good. The club was fantastic, the fans were amazing, so it was a sad day when I had to go. But things change so I had to do it.

"I was in contact with (Steven) Gerrard when it was his birthday and everything was fine. It was good. He was trying to focus on the World Cup."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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