Liverpool: Liverpool have been given permission by Wigan Athletic to talk to coach Roberto Martinez about becoming the next manager at Anfield, a day after Kenny Dalglish was sacked.
“He’s going there with an open mind,” Wigan chairman Dave Whelan told Sky Sports News on Thursday.
“We would love to keep Roberto, he’s a great manager. But there are two or three clubs looking for a new manager and Roberto is on the list for all of them. If Liverpool are serious, then we may lose him.”
The 38-year-old Martinez left Swansea City to take over at Wigan in 2009 and has been widely praised for keeping the modest Lancashire club in the Premier League.
Wigan stayed in the top flight this season after wins over Liverpool, Arsenal, Manchester United and Newcastle United in their final eight games helped them to a respectable 15th in the league — seven points clear of relegation.
“When Liverpool phoned me I was actually with Roberto having a meeting on what we are doing next season,” added Whelan. “I did promise Roberto and I have always said when a big club comes he would have permission to talk to them and they don’t come any bigger than Liverpool.”I gave him permission and he will be talking to them soon – I don’t know when, but quite soon. When Liverpool sacked Kenny I have to say I thought Liverpool would be knocking on the door and sure enough they are.” (Agencies)
