by David Anderson
Wigan chief Dave Whelan claims Liverpool are clueless in their search for a new manager.
Anfield principal owner John Henry and chairman Tom Werner are jetting in this week to interview more candidates as they come under fire for their handling of the hunt for Kenny Dalglish’s successor.
Whelan is desperate to fight off their interest in manager Roberto Martinez and says their move for Swansea’s Brendan Rodgers shows even they don’t know who is their No.1 choice.
Whelan said: “If it’s true that Liverpool want to speak with Brendan Rodgers, it proves they don’t know who they want as manager.
“I hope they choose Brendan Rodgers.”
Whelan fears the uncertainty over Martinez’s future could damage Wigan and has given him and Henry another 48 hours to make a decision, even though Liverpool are in no hurry to announce an appointment.
Martinez broke off his holiday in Barbados to meet Henry in Miami last Thursday, and Whelan claims they are due to speak again today when the Spaniard returns to the UK.
Whelan added: “Roberto has told me he is speaking with Liverpool again on Tuesday.
“I have now made it clear that I want this sorted out by Thursday at the latest as we have to get on preparing for next season.”
Martinez faces stiff competition from Rodgers, and Henry and Werner have been impressed by the job the Ulsterman has done at the Liberty Stadium.
However, Swansea chairman Huw Jenkins insisted once more on Monday that they have still had no contact from the Anfield club.
“We would like to clarify the speculation in the press surrounding our manager Brendan Rodgers,” said Swansea in a statement.
“We would like to confirm that there has been no contact from Liverpool and nothing has changed since our previous statement on the issue.”
Liverpool have spoken to Dutch legend Louis van Gaal about becoming their director of football to work above their new manager.
Managing director Ian Ayre is believed to have met Van Gaal in Portugal last week for talks.
The former Barcelona, Holland, Ajax and Bayern Munich coach has told friends he is interested in coming to Anfield – and has not ruled out taking over as manager instead.
