Sunday, 8th May, 2011
Rafael Benitez is being touted as the most likely replacement for Gerard Houllier at Aston Villa if the Frenchman is forced to step down due to ill health. The Spaniard is on the lookout for a club job in the Premier League and Villa have been alerted to his potential interest.
Houllier’s reign at Villa Park has been disappointing with results falling below the fans’ expectations since the former Lyon boss took over from Martin O’Neill last summer. The 63-year-old has led the Midlands side to a relegation battle and has spent the last month on the sidelines due to illness – Houllier suffered from a heart complaint during his time at Liverpool.
While Aston Villa will stay up, far better is expected next season and if Houllier feels unable to return to the hot seat then Benitez is thought to be the club’s first choice as a replacement.
Benitez is carefully considering his next move, and at present wishes to remain in English football, with only a limited number of jobs appealing to the Champions League-winning manager.
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