Benitez: I left Hodgson a good squad
Rafa Benitez believes he is not to blame for Liverpool’s dismal start to the season under Roy Hodgson.
The Spaniard claims Hodgson has inherited a very good side from him, better than the one Benitez had had at the start of his career at Anfield.
“We knew we had to bring in better players. We left a good team, a very good team. A lot of people are talking about the legacy but the legacy is fantastic.
“When I left the club, Mascherano, Benayoun and Riera were there, along with Carra, Gerrard, Spearing, Darby, Insua, Cavalieri and Shelvey.
“They cannot talk about legacy when Purslow (managing director) and Hodgson signed seven players. They have already changed the squad.”
While it is clear that Hodgson was not exactly left with a great squad to begin with, he did sign quite a few new players and definitely should have done better with what he had at his disposal.
The new boss should, however, be given time to prove his worth since these kinds of results were perfectly normal when Benitez was in charge.
[Source: Sunday Independent]
Manchester United legend drops a hint on managerial career
Ryan Giggs is aware his playing days are nearly over and admits coaching Manchester United would be ‘the ultimate job’.
The Welsh midfielder reveals he is set to finish his playing career at Manchester United.
“I am at an age now where it is coming to an end pretty soon. I cannot see myself dropping down leagues and playing at a lesser level.”
For the first time he also spoke about possible managerial career.
“If you do decide to go into management, for me the ultimate jobs are Wales and Manchester United, purely because I have played for my country and for the team I supported. Those two would be the best ones for me.
“If that was to happen I shouldn’t think I’d be able to take over straight away. So if I was to go into management I would have to go elsewhere and be very successful – then come back.”
Ryan Giggs clearly has all the qualities needed to become an excellent manager, especially having been coached by Sir Alex Ferguson throughout his career, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him managing a Premiership side in few years’ time.
[Source: The Sun]
Arsenal target looking for a move
Fulham keeper Mark Schwarzer is hoping the January move will help him realize his dream of playing Champions League football.
The Australian keeper was heavily linked with a move to Arsenal in the summer but Mark Hughes didn’t want to let him leave.
“It was probably one of my hardest periods ever. This is the only time in my career I have ever tried to force an issue,” Schwarzer said.
“I don’t have time on my side. If you were a 30-year-old you would walk away and say ‘fair enough, I understand’.
“But I’m almost 38 and I want to fulfill an ambition. The sheer opportunity that was there …”
The experienced keeper did not rule out a possibility of a January transfer.
“A lot can happen between now and January. What will be will be. If there’s an opportunity in January, then we’ll explore it.”
With both Almunia and Fabianski very inconsistent at the moment, Schwarzer could be seen as a perfect short-term solution for Arsenal, and Arsene Wenger is likely to come back for the Australian after failing to sign him in the summer.
[Source: AFP]
For more news about football transfers and rumours, visit our Transfer News section. To view all football transfers for 2010/11 season, visit our Soccer Transfers section.
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