Benitez installed as new Liverpool manager

[moonturk]

Benitez installed as new Liverpool manager

LIVERPOOL, England, June 16 (Reuters) - Liverpool named Spaniard Rafa Benitez as their new manager on Wednesday, ending weeks of speculation about his appointment.

The 44-year-old resigned as Valencia coach on June 1 after leading them to a league and UEFA Cup double and replaces Frenchman Gerard Houllier, who was dismissed by Liverpool last month.

Houllier was sacked after failing to mount a serious title challenge during his six years in charge.

Liverpool finished fourth in the premier league last season, 30 points behind champions Arsenal, although fourth secured a place in the Champions League qualifying round.

Benitez could have extra money to spend at Anfield if a proposal by Thailand's largest entertainment company to buy a 30 percent stake in the club is approved.

Thailand's Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra had previously looked to invest in the club but GMM Grammy have now taken over as the main bidder.

One of Benitez's first jobs will be to persuade striker Michael Owen to sign a new contract as his current deal finishes at the end of next season.

Benitez has already been replaced at Valencia by former Chelsea coach Claudio Ranieri. Before joining Valencia, Benitez managed Tenerife, Extremadura, Osasuna, Valladolid and Real Madrid B.

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/headlinenews?id=303189&cc=5901

[Mimglow]

Liverpool now has a manager that will take advantage of the dearth of talent they possess.

[Guest Jeffery S.]

quote:Originally posted by Mimglow

Liverpool now has a manager that will take advantage of the dearth of talent they possess.

Don't know how you intended this comment, but it is probably the most accurate, pithy way of describing the coach they just hired.

Benitez has done wonders with a squad with few stars, and a lot of good journeymen who on paper do not seem like Championship material. Like the defence, Carboni is pushing 40, Pellegrino is another ageing type rejected by "better" teams. He has a lot of average type midfielders who will end up scoring, while sitting greater talents (Aimar) on the bench. Their strikers are some of the best in Spain in stats (Mista) but are rejected for the national team. I think he will have trouble finding success in Liverpool, at least the first year. Probably has weak English, is not a strong personality, and will take half a year at least to figure out he can't play a Spanish style in England.

But a very discreet, sincere guy who has the virtue of making his players into a solid unified block. Liverpool may not be more attractive next season, but by Xmas they should be damn hard to beat.