Liverpool contender Andre Villas-Boas wants 'strong technical plan'

Andre Villas-Boas It's fair to say Andre Villas-Boas didn't have a good time of it at Chelsea. Charged with evolving an ageing squad, the old-guard didn't take well to it, results suffered and in the end he was sacked by the ruthless Roman Abr (GETTY IMAGES)

Andre Villas-Boas, one of the favourites for the vacant Liverpool job, is looking for a club with a "strong technical plan" which has longevity, according to his agent.

The Portuguese is the front runner to replace Kenny Dalglish but has also been linked with Italian club Roma, whose manager Luis Enrique left the club a week ago after a disappointing eighth-placed finish.

Villas-Boas himself was dismissed at Chelsea just eight months after signing a three-year contract as Europe's hottest managerial property.

The 34-year-old thought the move to Stamford Bridge would be the start of a long-term project but after being unceremoniously dumped by owner Roman Abramovich he is looking for a new opportunity to re-establish his credentials.

"What we are looking for is a strong technical plan, that is solid and durable," his agent Carlos Goncalves told romagiallorossa.com.

"Villas-Boas would like to return to coaching in these conditions, but if these conditions are not available, we would have no problems not working.

"I won't confirm or deny contacts with specific clubs. What we are interested in is a technical project, its outlook and a situation that has longevity.

"Liverpool? Again, we look for a club which is very strong and competitive.

"We will see if there are conditions that will attract us with any club."

Wigan manager Roberto Martinez was one of the first contenders to be revealed and while the Latics boss has now gone on a Caribbean holiday it is thought he is preparing for a meeting with Liverpool's principal owner John Henry and chairman Tom Werner in the coming days.

Reports have linked Louis van Gaal with the sporting director's role at Liverpool after an internal restructuring at the club by Fenway Sports Group divided up the responsibilities previously held by director of football Damien Comolli.

However, suggestions in Holland are that the 60-year-old former Ajax and Holland coach, who has been out of work since he was sacked by Bayern Munich 13 months ago, would prefer the manager's job.

Meanwhile fans supporting the claims of former manager Rafael Benitez have set up a website in an attempt to persuade FSG to speak to the Champions League-winning Spaniard.

So far there has been no contact with Benitez, who is out of work and living in the area, and the suggestion has been that he would not be considered but a campaign has begun to ask FSG to reconsider.

The creators of www.talktorafa.com claim they have Henry's email address and they are asking fans to fill in a form on their website to tell the American reasons why he should 'Talk to Rafa'.

PA