Is Benitez like Martin Jol was for much of the early part of this season...a "dead man walking"?
Does he have to win the Champions League to have a future at Liverpool?
Liverpool reveal Klinsmann talks
Liverpool co-owner Tom Hicks has revealed the club held talks with Jurgen Klinsmann about taking over from Rafael Benitez as manager.
Benitez has been under pressure this season with the club struggling in the Champions League and faltering in the Premier League title race.
"We attempted to negotiate an option," Hicks told the Liverpool Echo.
"It was as an insurance policy, to have him become manager if Rafa left for Real Madrid or other rumoured clubs."
Hicks added: "Or in case our communication spiralled out of control for some reason."
Klinsmann's services have now been secured by Bayern Munich and he will take over the German club at the end of this season.
The confirmation of talks between Klinsmann and his bosses will come as a blow to Benitez, who has publicly stated his desire to remain in charge at Anfield after upsetting Hicks and fellow Liverpool owner George Gillett earlier this season.
Benitez criticised the duo about their transfer policy and the Spaniard's remarks angered both owners and put his position in jeopardy.
The side's indifferent form this season has not helped Benitez's cause with a 4-1 win over Marseille in their last group game of the Champions League needed to book their place in the knockout stages.
The Reds are 12 points off the top of the Premier League table, while being knocked out of the Carling Cup by Chelsea and being taken to a replay by struggling Luton in the FA Cup third round
Personally I think he made a huge miscalculation with his comments about the ignorance of the new owners, never a good idea to have a public fall out with billionaires. Just ask Jose!
Linear Mode
