Where Do Liverpool Go From Here?

Following the sensational revelation that Anfield bosses Tom Hicks and George Gillett approached Jurgen Klinnsmann over the opportunity to take over at the illustrious Merseyside club, a week of backtracking has ensued, leaving Liverpool in a state of disarray.

Hicks was the first to come out, stating categorically that his conversation with Klinnsmann was purely insurance, "in case Rafa went to Real Madrid." Rafa has yet to comment on the situation, however his agent, Manuel Garcia Quillon, stringently denied these reports stating, "Rafa wants to stay at Liverpool."

There has always been speculation about the poor relationship between the Hicks/Gillett regime and Benitez, however Hicks commented that Rafa has "both of our support...Our communication has improved greatly."

Liverpool has always been a club that does things behind closed doors, but suddenly under their new American owners their wheelings and dealings are becoming a lot more public. This is something Liverpool fans have voiced their concerns over.

Hicks and Gillett have always been aware that Benitez wants to return to his home country in the future, but as their relationship with Rafa has deteriorated, the media speculate more heavily on a possible return to Spain to take over at the Bernebau. Rafa is a dignified man and a return to Madrid is not an option as his family has settled in the Liverpool area.

Hicks' confessional statement of his discussion with Jurgen Klinnsmann are a catalyst for both fans and players alike, questioning their manager's future. Even though Hicks stated it was purely for insurance, Benitez once again looks stronger than his American owners.

With record profit levels for football clubs, soccer is slowly but surely becoming a cutthroat game. It is a dark environment where managers and players can be cut within months of arriving. Managers can no longer expect security.

It's win or lose in football...And when you lose, you lose big.