Liverpool return for Benitez wanted by 'many', claims Reina

Jun 1, 2012 10:05:00 AM

One of Brendan Rodgers' first challenges on Merseyside could be to gain the support of players and supporters alike as the keeper revealed his preferred choice for the new boss

Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina has revealed that he and “many” of the first-team squad wanted former manager Rafael Benitez to be restored at the Anfield helm.

The 52-year-old left by mutual consent at the end of the 2009-10 season following an early exit from the Champions League and a disappointing seventh-place finish.

With Brendan Rodgers appointed as Kenny Dalglish’s successor on Friday, the news could undermine the former Swansea City boss.

Speaking to Radio Marca, Reina said: “For many of my colleagues and me, Rafa Benitez would be the ideal candidate.

“It’s that I’m not objective about it, but he is the coach who shaped me the most. He is the best.”

And Liverpool legend Robbie Fowler also threw Benitez’s name into the ring for a possible return to the club.

The Spanish manager, who guided Liverpool to Champions League triumph in 2005, enjoys strong support among fans and former players and the veteran striker believes he would be best placed to put the club back on the right competitive footing.

Fowler told Paddypower.com: “My old boss, Rafa Benitez, who was an early contender to go back to Anfield, would have learned from his mistakes and could have done a job there again.

Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25
Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200
Sign up to Paddy Power for £250 in free bets
Sign up today with Coral and get a £50 FREE bet - no strings attached!
Sign up today with BetVictor and get a £25 FREE BET!

play

open

Inside Goal.Com

BVB's rise from the abyss to European contenders
BVB have recovered from teetering on the edge of bankruptcy to take their place on Europe's grandest stage, humbling their opponents on Saturday, Bayern Munich, along the way
Transfer Talk: Mourinho wants six new signings
Get your daily dose of all the speculation from around the globe as clubs cast their eye towards summer reinforcements
Soulless EPL must face up to grim reality
After a season marred by controversy and a failure of its top teams to put up a credible Champions League challenge, the world's supposed best league is falling behind
Bayern's jinx - CL final referee Nicola Rizzoli
Goal takes a look at the career of the Italian arbiter to date following Uefa's decision to appoint the 41-year-old for Saturday's showpiece at Wembley
Cartoon: Injured Gotze ready to 'do a Terry'
Goal.com cartoonist Omar Momani gives us his unique take on the football news of the day