Liverpool news: Former boss eyes Prem return as ‘door ajar’ for Jurgen Klopp after talks

As Liverpool scrape past rivals Everton 2-1, ex-Reds boss Rafa Benitez admits he wants to manage in England once again, and Jurgen Klopp has been tipped to take up a new role

Liverpool’s 100 per cent start to the Premier League season continued after they held on to beat rivals Everton in an entertaining Merseyside derby. Elsewhere, two former Reds managers, Rafa Benitez and Jurgen Klopp, could have future moves lined up.

Current Liverpool head coach Arne Slot orchestrated a 2-1 victory at Anfield on Saturday. Goals from Ryan Gravenberch and Hugo Ekitike were enough to secure all three points despite a spirited fightback from the visitors.

Away from the action, Spaniard Benitez has admitted he would like to return to English management, having been in charge of the Reds from 2004 until 2010. Klopp, who was manager on Merseyside from 2015 until 2024, may also have a new role on the horizon. He has been touted as a future Benfica coach despite the Portuguese club hiring Jose Mourinho.

Liverpool target Marc Guehi, meanwhile, could also be on the verge of a stunning and bitterly disappointing U-turn, as Mirror Football brings you all the latest news from Anfield.

Rafa Benitez wants England return

Benitez has enjoyed three permanent managerial stints in England, first managing the Reds, then acting as an interim at Chelsea before spending three years with Newcastle.

READ MORE: Liverpool’s first half power sees off determined Everton in derby – 5 talking pointsREAD MORE: Every word from Jack Grealish’s rant at officials after tense Liverpool defeat

He last took up the reins at Everton in 2021, leaving one year later, and finds himself without a job after leaving Celta Vigo. Benitez has now revealed that his wish is to return to the Premier League.

“Sometimes to be described as ‘a legend’ is very nice, but also complicated,” began Benitez, speaking to the Telegraph. “It is bad for a coach to be seen as retired.

“People still ask me, ‘Do you want to coach?’ For sure, I do, particularly in England and Europe. I do not want people to think I am finished. I am still evolving.”

Benfica hopeful reveals Jurgen Klopp talks

Benfica have announced that iconic Premier Legaue boss Mourinho will be their new manager, amidst the turmoil of the club’s presidential election, which takes place on October 25th. However, one candidate claims he has held talks with iconic Liverpool boss Klopp about taking up the role in the future.

Cristovao Carvalho, one of several presidential candidates, told Desporto ao Minuto: “What I’ll do [if I’m elected] is sit down with Jurgen Klopp the following week and convince him that I have a plan for him to coach Benfica and win a Champions League. I believe I’ll convince him.

“Yes. The door is ajar. Jurgen Klopp is the only coach I’ve seen who’s ever said something that touched my heart: ‘I’d like to coach Benfica.’ He said it.

“Not now,” he elaborated. “In a project of continuity, a project of security, with the right people and the right team, he’s the right coach for my project.”

Marc Guehi set to snub Liverpool

Crystal Palace captain Guehi saw a deadline move to Anfield collapse after a replacement wasn’t signed. With his contract up next year, it was reported that he may sign for the Reds on a free transfer in 12 months’ time.

However, he would be able to negotiate a deal with foreign clubs as early as the January transfer window, and Mirror Football can now report that Real Madrid are his new ideal destination.

The England defender has now told his advisors that his heart is now set on a move to the Bernabeu after his Reds move collapsed at the final second.

Guehi is excited by the prospect of playing abroad, and the Reds could be handed a double blow as one of their pivotal centre-backs, Ibrahima Konate, has also been linked with a move to Los Blancos. His contract expires in 2026.

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