Dion Dublin has suggested that previously-sacked Everton manager Rafa Benitez ‘might work’ as Aston Villa’s next boss to replace Steven Gerrard, as he told Football Focus.
The former Aston Villa striker thinks those in the Villa Park boardroom need to bring in a manager or a coach who understands how to deal with a big club.
With Benitez being in the dugout at both Liverpool and Everton during his managerial career, then he does understand the pressure of being in a pretty big spotlight.
The Spaniard is currently out-of-work after being sacked by Everton in January – prior to his dismissal, he had a falling out with a certain Lucas Digne, who ended up at Villa.
To think those two would reunite in B6 would probably scare the fans more than the currently injured France international himself.
There’s no way Villa supporters would accept an appointment like Benitez because they have already had enough of one Liverpool legend and they don’t need another, despite Dublin’s suggestion.
“I feel they need someone who has been there and knows how to deal with a big club,” said Dublin. “I don’t think they are going to go down the ‘let’s try him, he’s going to be good route’.
“Rafa (Benitez), he is out-of-work as well. Some people will say he has missed the boat recently. But I would say that someone like Rafa might work. It’s hard because I don’t know what the players are going to respond to and that’s the big thing.
“How do players react to boundaries? Do they want egos massaging? What do they want? Give it to them.”
BENITEZ SHOULD STAY AWAY
In recent weeks, there have been a few media appearances by Benitez, which suggests that he is trying to put himself back on the market.
If you are unhappy with your manager and you want to boot him out of the door, then this is the time to do it.
The 2022 World Cup in Qatar kicks off next month, and if you have a new coach, then that winter break will allow him to get his feet as comfortable as possible under the table.
Although, given the crazy nature of football, it wouldn’t be a surprise if some teams wait until domestic football returns, post-World Cup, before sacking their under-fire manager after one game.
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