Kenny Dalglish Thankful To Rafael Benitez For Second Liverpool Chance

New Liverpool ambassador Kenny Dalglish has stated that he is very lucky to be given the chance to work for the club once more and has spoken of his relationship with Reds boss Rafael Benitez.

The former Liverpool manager was recruited by Benitez in an advisory role, and now has a senior job with the club's academy.

The job with the Reds is Dalglish's first at Anfield since he quit as manager in 1991, and he has expressed his gratitude to Benitez for the opportunity.

Speaking to the club's official website, Dalglish said, "I spoke to Rafa a few months ago and things have progressed from there.

"Now that it has come to fruition, I am very excited, but also a bit nervous.

"For the boss to put his trust in me is a great compliment and I am coming back as a very lucky person.

"When you leave a club you don't often have a chance to return, so I am fortunate for being given such a fantastic opportunity."

The Reds' academy has drastically changed, having been criticised in the past for failing to produce youngsters with first team potential.

Dalglish is just one of a whole load of changes and the Scotsman says he is delighted to be able to work towards creating a new golden generation.

"Rafa has made a very brave decision to revamp the academy," he continued.

"Everyone knows the most important team at the club is the first team, and we hope we can start producing players to challenge for a place in Rafa's plans."

Benitez was obviously pleased with his latest signing and explained the club's new youth policy.

"We are changing things at the academy; we are bringing in new ideas and new people - but we're keeping the spirit and the heart of the club," commented the Spaniard.

"Kenny has played for the club; he's managed the club; he's done everything. He's a fantastic signing."

Dalglish, dubbed 'King Kenny' by the Anfield faithful, won eight domestic league titles and three European cups as a player and manager.

Nick Turner, Goal.com