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Is time finally running out for Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez? - Source: Reuters -
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Real Madrid are still eyeing Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez to take the helm at the Bernabeu, despite his side's spectacular fall from grace in Europe this season.
According to various reports - the La Liga giants - who crashed out of the Champions League to Lyon this week, are set to sack manager Manuel Pellegrini in the summer and bring in under-fire Anfield boss Benitez.
Inter Milan's Jose Mourinho and Chelsea's Carlo Ancelotti are also said to be in the frame for the job but Spaniard Benitez is said to be at the top of Real President Florentino Perez' list.
"Rafa is the preferred choice. He is a Madrid man and his agent, Manuel Garcia Quillon, has an excellent relationship with the club." A source is quoted as saying in British newspaper The Sun.
Real, the world's most decorated European club, have now failed to progress from the Champions League's last 16 for the last six-years, and with millions of pounds spent on the likes of Kaka and Cristiano Ronaldo in the summer transfer window it was thought that Pellegrini's side would be odds on to reach the final stages.
Liverpool, who once again became a European force to be reckoned with under the guidance of Benitez, won the trophy in 2005, and reached the final in 2007, but poor results and uninspiring performances saw them crash out at the group stage this season.
And even thought Liverpool are struggling to reach the latter stages of the Europa League after being defeated 1-0 in their last 16 first leg tie with Lille on Friday, Benitez' previous results in Europe are putting him in good stead for the Real job.
"Above all, though, his record in Europe is exceptional." The source added.
"The club want to return where they believe they belong - to be the No 1 team in Europe again. They believe Rafa is the man to make that happen."
Big Sam sticks the boot in
Meanwhile, Blackburn boss Sam Allardyce has also reignited his feud with the Benitez after claming" "I don't like him and I never will."
Allardyce, who had a massive spat with the Spaniard earlier in the season, also said he doesn't believe Liverpool will have a top four finish, the spot needed to ensure they can once again perform on Europe's biggest stage.
"The last time one of the Big Four didn't finish in the top four it was Liverpool - Everton got that spot - and this time it looks pretty difficult having lost to Wigan." Allardyce is quoted as saying in the British media.
"Liverpool are having to rely on other teams slipping up now.
"I'm not looking to do him any favours. He's got personal with it for many, many years now - that's why I don't like him and the feeling is probably mutual.
"I don't get personal with him. I get under his skin, yes, but that's all part of the game. I've managed to psyche out one or two here and there and that's how the Premier League has evolved over the last 20 years.
"Have I won the psychological battle? I think so. Personal criticism is not the road I go down and I don't personally criticise Rafa Benitez.
"I clearly get under his skin and that can be a benefit to my side when we play them. But no, Pep Guardiola has not been in touch yet!"
