LIVERPOOL WILL persist with an extensive interview process in the search for a new manager despite Frank de Boer becoming the third candidate publicly to reject talks about the job since Kenny Dalglish was sacked last week.
The Ajax head coach has followed Brendan Rodgers of Swansea City and Jurgen Klopp of Borussia Dortmund in declining an invitation to meet Liverpool’s owners, Fenway Sports Group, about the managerial vacancy at Anfield. Didier Deschamps, who was approached under a previous regime in 2010 and has been linked again, has said he expects to remain in charge at Marseille next season.
Liverpool are undeterred by the rejections – indeed it was expected some would follow the decision to approach several candidates before finalising a shortlist – and they will continue to hold talks this week. Roberto Martinez of Wigan Athletic is on holiday but that will not prevent him meeting John W Henry and Tom Werner, Liverpool’s principal owner and chairman, should an interview be scheduled for Boston later this week. Liverpool have denied one interview with Martinez has already taken place.
Andre Villas-Boas will also hold talks with the Liverpool hierarchy, although the former Porto and Chelsea manager has made it clear he will not rush into a decision. “I’m still choosing the right project and that decision will take the necessary time,” he said on Sunday. That view is shared by FSG on the process of replacing Dalglish, an “absolutely critical” appointment as it was described by Liverpool’s managing director, Ian Ayre.
De Boer has won successive Eredivisie titles with Ajax since taking over from Martin Jol in 2010 and been widely praised for the team’s attacking style. The 42-year-old admitted he was flattered by Liverpool’s approach but had no intention of leaving the Amsterdam club at this point in his career. “I am honoured by the request but I am only just getting started with Ajax,” De Boer told De Telegraaf. “In Amsterdam we are on a new path and, along with the club and Wim Jonk and Dennis Bergkamp, my colleagues in the technical heart, I want to bring good things. That’s why I will stay loyal to Ajax in the coming years.”
Deschamps has also distanced himself from the post. The 43-year-old found himself under pressure this season after a 10th-place finish but said: “It is expected I will be there [Marseille] next season.”
Rafael Benitez is not under consideration but Liverpool’s owners were told another strong candidate was under the club’s nose yesterday when Steve Nicol, the club’s respected former defender, claimed David Moyes of Everton would make a fine choice. “I would have no problem with David Moyes,” said the former Scotland international. “He’s a fantastic manager. We talk about having the tools to do the job, and here’s a guy who’s had to work with blunt instruments, shall we say, and every year he keeps doing it.”
