Liverpool are thought to have made tentative enquiries about the possibility of Carlo Ancelotti replacing Brendan Rodgers as manager.
It appeared as though the Reds were finally putting together a side capable of ending their long wait for a league title, when they finished within two points of champions Manchester City two years ago. But the departure of Luis Suarez to Barcelona for £75million undoubtedly set them back significantly, as did the lack of success of a number of players signed with this cash.
Rodgers could only lead the Anfield club to a sixth-place finish last term, and despite another summer of heavy spending, the early signs this time round are far from convincing. Despite winning their first two games, they have now gone five games without winning, a run which includes a 3-0 home defeat to West Ham United and a 3-1 loss away to rivals Manchester United.
This leaves Liverpool in 13th place after six matches, albeit just four points below their target for fourth, and the pressure is beginning to build on their manager. It was reported by the Daily Mail on Wednesday that the club had sounded out Ancelotti about replacing Rodgers, and although they have denied such claims, The Mirror insist that the Italian has been contacted.
The 56-year-old is taking a year out to recover from a spinal operation, but when he decides to make his return, he is sure to have plenty of options. A UEFA Champions League winner twice with Milan and once with Real Madrid, his other success includes a two-year spell in England when he led Chelsea to the Premier League and FA Cup double in 2010 before being sacked the following year.
The Mirror claim Liverpool reached out to Ancelotti just last week to sound him out about the possibility of succeeding Rodgers should he be sacked, but the feedback they received was not encouraging. It is thought their lack of Champions League football is an issue, particularly for someone who has spent just one season outside of Europe’s number one club competition since 2001.
