Liverpool have ended days of mounting speculation by announcing that they have parted company with their Champions League winning manager Rafa Benitez.
The club have confirmed the news via a statement on their official website that reads as such;
“Mr Benitez relinquishes his position as team manager after six years and the Board of Directors would like to place on record their grateful thanks for his services and wish him all the best in his future career.
The Board has now asked Managing Director Christian Purslow, with the assistance of Club Ambassador Kenny Dalglish, to begin a formal search to identify and assess potential candidates for the managerial position.
No timescale has been placed on the process and Liverpool FC will make no further statement until a new manager is appointed.”
Club chairman Martin Broughton also added;
“Rafa will forever be part of Liverpool folklore after bringing home the Champions League following the epic final in Istanbul but after a disappointing season both parties felt a fresh start would be best for all concerned.”
And lastly, Benitez himself voiced his passionate thanks to the Liverpool supporters;
“It is very sad for me to announce that I will no longer be manager of Liverpool FC. I would like to thank all of the staff and players for their efforts.
I’ll always keep in my heart the good times I’ve had here, the strong and loyal support of the fans in the tough times and the love from Liverpool. I have no words to thank you enough for all these years and I am very proud to say that I was your manager.
Thank you so much once more and always remember: You’ll never walk alone.”
Although Liverpool have vowed not to make any further statement regarding Benitez’ successor, the odds that current ‘ambassador’ Kenny Dalgish will be installed as the club’s next permanent coach have, almost unanimously, been slashed right across the board.
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