There are more hints that Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish will stay at Liverpool for the long term as his assistant, Steve Clarke was offered new contract yesterday. It is thought that Clarke is ready to sign a 3 and half year deal with the Reds.
Clarke, who has previously work as assistant manager under Jose Mourinhio at Chelsea and under Gianfranco Zola at West Ham, was appointed as assistance manager day after Dalglish was announced as interim boss, following the dismissal of Roy Hodgson.
Since their appointment Liverpool’s form in the league has improved drastically; only leaders Manchester United have collect more points than the Reds in the time that the duo have been in charge.
The impact Dalglish and his management team have led to calls for the pair to be appointed long term. Dalglish has previously had talks with Liverpool’s owners, the Fenway Sports Group, but this is the first time they have approached Clarke.
Speaking Clarke in a press conference discussed his relationship with Dalglish and effect that they have had on the club:
“Every manager I’ve worked with – you pick up good qualities from all of them and so far, in a short space of time, I’ve seen a lot of great qualities from Kenny. I hope to continue the work into the future. Anyone watching us play right now can see the spirit is high, the confidence is good and the performances have been decent. Now we need to continue it. If you are working well as a group and working well day in, day out in training – you can see they’re taking that on to the pitch right now. If you’ve got that togetherness it goes a long way in any team sport – especially football.”
Clarke’s deal is being seen as the latest indication that Liverpool will look to secure the service of Dalglish before the end of the season, probably to a deal of a similar length to the one being offered to Clarke.
Dalglish is a man who understands Liverpool history and proud tradition. Assuming Liverpool are successful to signing Dalglish and Clarke to long term deals, it will a step in the right direction for a club that has been on the slide since Rafael Benitez failed to build on a strong league finish in 2008/09.
Liverpool fans will be hoping that John Henry and FSG can get there men signed to new deals as quick as possible, and Liverpool under Dalglish can continue to grow and improve.
