2012-05-24 07:00:00
Andre Villas-Boas has been ruled out of the running to take charge at Liverpool despite reports in the Portuguese media that
a deal had been done between the two parties. The 34 year-old has been the favourite in the next Liverpool manager market
over the past week and remains so with certain bookies but overnight Villas-Boas' odds have drifted making Roberto Martinez
the current frontrunner.
AVB's agent, Carlo Goncalves has not ruled out a move to Liverpool but Fenway Sports Group have not approached the Portuguese
manager for an interview. Roberto Martinez, Frank de Boer and Brendan Rodgers have been approached but the latter pair turned
down the opportunity to enter talks.
Wigan's Martinez has been granted permission to speak to Liverpool by Dave Whelan and is therefore the current favourite
but a lack of experience at the highest level may give preference to other candidates. Louis van Gaal is third favourite for
the managerial role at the moment despite reports that the former Ajax, Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager is set to be offered
a role as sporting director.
If Van Gaal takes up a more senior position it may pave the way for someone like Martinez to take the job as head coach with
the Dutchman able to pass on knowledge gained from managing some of Europe's biggest clubs. Brendan Rodgers, who fits
the same profile as Martinez, remains a short price to be appointed despite stating his intention to stay at Swansea.
More high profile figures such as Fabio Capello, Rafa Benitez and Pep Guardiola seem to be out of contention but also remain
in the betting. Current Dortmund manager, Jurgen Klopp, who has led his side to back-to-back Bundesliga titles was available
at 200/1 yesterday but now stands at just 25/1 although he is quoted earlier in the week as saying "I love it here and have
no intention of changing clubs." See the full market below.


