Kenny Dalglish has travelled to Boston for crunch talks with John W Henry to determine whether he remains Liverpool manager.
The Scot flew to the United States after Liverpool’s final Barclays Premier League game, a defeat at Swansea on Sunday, for a crucial debrief with Henry, the club’s principal owner.
Speculation has been mounting about Dalglish since Liverpool’s quest to qualify for the Champions League unravelled. Wigan manager Roberto Martinez has been touted as a possible replacement.
Fenway Sports Group have given no indication Dalglish retains their support. Henry declined all interview requests after Liverpool were beaten in the FA Cup final by Chelsea 10 days ago.
Though FSG credit Dalglish with reviving Liverpool’s spirit since they took him back to Anfield in January 2011, they have been unhappy with performances after investing £113million in the playing staff.
Director of football Damien Comolli was sacked after negotiating a string of expensive signings that failed to provide value for money. FSG also axed Peter Brukner, the club’s head of sports science and sports medicine, and director of communications Ian Cotton.
It has been a turbulent season at Anfield. While winning the Carling Cup was viewed as a bonus, FSG wanted a push for the top four and the riches of the Champions League.
Dalglish will have to explain why Liverpool finished eighth, their lowest position since 1994, with just 52 points.
Before the trip to Swansea, Dalglish launched a staunch defence of what Liverpool have achieved in the past 12 months, given he has guided them to their first silverware since 2006 and secured a return to Europe.
It was always the plan for him to meet Henry once the campaign had ended. Rather than the Americans going over to Merseyside, Dalglish has crossed the Atlantic to accelerate the situation being resolved. He is eager to press on with transfer window plans and does not believe Liverpool, who are looking into the possibility of taking back former goalkeeper coach Xavi Valero, will lose any of their prized assets.
‘I don’t know what the Champions League clubs are going to do but we are looking to bring people in,’ Dalglish said. ‘Our intention is to add to what we have got. We don’t want anyone to go.’ - Daily Mail