Van Gaal penned himself in for Liverpool’s manager role

Louis van Gaal has told Liverpool that he is looking for a management role, rather than a position as a director of football, as his next job.

Van Gaal has been strongly linked with the vacant management position at Anfield, although the club's owners are believed to have identified the experienced Dutchman as the ideal candidate to be the Reds' new director of football, rather than the straight replacement for recently sacked Kenny Dalglish.

Liverpool reportedly plan to appoint a younger man to be in charge of coaching and day-to-day affairs under the more senior director of football.

   “My fingers are itching. I’m full of fire and want to work with players.

“I get dozens of offers but I’m waiting for the best one.”

But Van Gaal, 60, is such a strong personality that the idea of taking the reins as team coach would appeal strongly.

One man who is unlikely to take over is ex-England boss Fabio Capello.

Reports this week suggested FSG had been in contact with the Italian but he is now not believed to be on the shortlist, according to the Liverpool Echo.

Wigan’s Roberto Martinez is expected to meet the owners for talks over the next 48 hours and remains among the favourites, along with ex-Chelsea boss Andre Villa-Boas.

Kuyt, currently on international duty preparing for Euro 2012, gave his backing to the former Ajax and Bayern Munich manager.

   “It is not usual for players to speak about candidates, but he is a Dutchman, has a great track record and has the experience that the club could put to good use,”

“At the moment, Liverpool have no coach or technical director.

“Each club benefits from structure. You look at the Dutch national team and see that consistency and clarity are important.” Dirk Kuyt told De Telegraaf.

Kuyt seemed destined to be leaving Anfield this summer after his starting opportunities were reduced significantly last season, but has hinted he may be open to staying with a new manager coming in to replace Kenny Dalglish.

Swansea boss Brendan Rodgers, who publicly rejected the chance to hold talks with Liverpool last week, remains on the radar and would be approached again.

FSG have however distanced themselves from speculation linking them with a move for Didier Deschamps.

It has been reported that Marseille boss Deschamps spurned the Reds’ advances when he declared he intends to remain with the French club but FSG had no plans to speak to the Frenchman. The same applies to Harry Redknapp who has also been linked with the post.

Let’s look at the latest updates on the potential target list for Liverpool FC.

1. Michael Laudrup
2. Brendan Rodgers
3. Frank de Boer
4. Jurgen Klopp
5. Pep Guardiola
6. Roberto Martinez
7. Fabio Capello
8. Andre Villas-Boas
9. Didier Deschamps
10. Joachim Low
11. Paul Lambert
12. Rafael Benitez
13. Jose Mourinho
14. Alan Pardew
15. Guus Hiddink
16. Frank Rijkaard
17. Louis van Gaal

This story has been reproduced from the media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club or Red's Fury™ blog.

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