Paco Herrara's contract

[Benitez]

Reds fight to keep coach

Mar 2 2006

 

Exclusive By Chris Bascombe, Liverpool Echo

 

LIVERPOOL boss Rafa Benitez is desperately trying to retain the services of coach Paco Herrera beyond the end of this season.

 

The reserve team boss plans to return to Spain for family reasons when his two year Anfield contract expires this summer.

 

Herrera's family never moved to Merseyside. The coach's intention since joining Liverpool was to return home at the end of this campaign.

 

As one of Benitez's trusted lieutenants, his departure would be a huge loss to the backroom staff.

 

But Benitez hopes he can delay a decision on the coach's future, or compromise,

 

"We are talking about Paco's future because he is an important person for us and he's doing a very good job," said Benitez. "It's a possibility he will stay, but it's also possible he will return to Spain because his family is there. We are thinking about a possible solution."

 

Herrera joined the Reds as chief scout but later saw his role widen to include reserve team duties.

 

He has restructured the reserves to create an alternative youth side at Melwood, recruiting several teenagers tipped for the first team, such as Paul Anderson, Jack Hobbs and Antonio Barragan.

 

Five of Herrera's recruits have featured in the radically improved Under-18 side which has just reached the semi-final of the FA Youth Cup for the first time in a decade.

 

Of immeasurable significance is Herrera's close relationship with Benitez. Many have dubbed the coach 'the eyes of Benitez' due to his understanding of how the manager thinks and works.

 

If Herrera returns to Spain, he may retain his position as chief scout - a job involving so much over-seas travel it could be done from a continental base.

 

Ideally, Herrera will be persuaded to stay on Merseyside for at least another year as Benitez attempts to take more steps towards creating a title-winning side.

 

Many will see echoes with the departure of Patrice Bergues in 2001. Gerard Houllier never filled the void when his right hand man left in the aftermath of the cup treble.

 

On the positive side, Benitez's determination to keep Herrera confirms his own intentions to stay at Anfield amid more speculation linking him with Real Madrid.

 

The Liverpool boss was typically coy today when asked if the resignation of Real supremo Florentino Perez makes Madrid a more attractive option. Perez and his 'Galactico' policy were previously seen as an obstacle preventing Benitez returning to Spain.

 

As long as Liverpool convince Benitez they have the resources to compete for the Premiership, he'll resist the lure of Madrid or Inter Milan, who also want the Anfield boss.

 

"I have a clear idea whenever anyone in Spain talks about this," said Benitez.

 

"I am focused on three competitions with my club, Liverpool. I want to win every game. I hear information from Spain, but my priority is the next game against Charlton, the Champions League and the FA Cup."

 

 

ere

Edited March 2, 2006 by Benitez

[IgPig]

Hope we can hold on to him. As the article states he's very important to Rafa - something backed up by comments in any of the books released since the CL win.

[Tosh]

Sign Paco!

[jimmylibel]

Those quotes are the weakest denial from Rafa yet though

[Sir Tokyo Sexwale]

kidnap him & tie him to the dugout

[Ombudsam]

kidnap him & tie him to the dugout

[The Hitman]

Move Liverpool to Spain!!

[JohnnyH]

As long as Liverpool convince Benitez they have the resources to compete for the Premiership, he'll resist the lure of Madrid or Inter Milan, who also want the Anfield boss.ere

 

 

And therein probably lies the crux of the matter. No money, may result in no Rafa.

[Gunga Din]

And therein probably lies the crux of the matter. No money, may result in no Rafa.

 

 

i suppose we could put ourselves in hundreds of millions of pounds worth of debt like arsenal, Man u, Newcastle, Chelsea etc, and just give him the money we borrow to buy whoever he would like

[Serko]

We could sell Melwood to Liverpool city council for £300million or so and then lease it back for a pittance.

[CarraLegend]

"It's a possibility he will stay, but it's also possible he will return to Spain because his family is there. We are thinking about a possible solution."

 

It's all about possibilities

[Boca]

"We are thinking of a possible solution"

Translation - "The whole of the coaching staff will be joining me in my new role as manager of Real Madrid"

[JohnnyH]

i suppose we could put ourselves in hundreds of millions of pounds worth of debt like arsenal, Man u, Newcastle, Chelsea etc, and just give him the money we borrow to buy whoever he would like

 

You ever heard of the word Investment? Look it up.

[stressederic]

i suppose we could put ourselves in hundreds of millions of pounds worth of debt like arsenal, Man u, Newcastle, Chelsea etc, and just give him the money we borrow to buy whoever he would like

 

You've convinced me.

[growler]

ironically, the compensation from Real for Rafa and his backroom team would provide the transfer funds we crave...