Football News : Van Gaal tells Liverpool he wants manager's job

By ESPN staff

Louis van Gaal has told Liverpool that he is looking for a management role, rather than a position as a director of football, as his next job.

GettyImagesVan Gaal is one of Europe's most successful managers

• Liverpool consider Van Gaal

Van Gaal has been strongly linked with the vacant management position at Anfield, although the club's owners are believed to have identified the experienced Dutchman as the ideal candidate to be the Reds' new director of football, rather than the straight replacement for recently sacked Kenny Dalglish.

Liverpool reportedly plan to appoint a younger man to be in charge of coaching and day-to-day affairs under the more senior director of football.

But the 60-year-old may have thrown a spanner in the works by revealing he would prefer to return to football as a manager - although he also acknowledged that the right project could tempt him to reconsider matters.

"My fingers are itching. I'm full of fire and want to work with players," Van Gaal said, according to the Sun. "I get dozens of offers but I'm waiting for the best one."

Wigan's Roberto Martinez is believed to be a strong contender for the manager's position, but Andre Villas-Boas' chances appear to have taken a hit according to widespread reports.

Liverpool forward Dirk Kuyt believes compatriot van Gaal has the idea
experience to be a success at Anfield and has given his backing
to the former Ajax and Bayern Munich boss.

"It is not usual for players to speak about candidates, but he is a Dutchman,
has a great track record and has the experience that the club could put to good
use,'' Kuyt was reported as saying by Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf.

"At the moment, Liverpool have no coach or technical director. Each club benefits from structure. You look at the Dutch national team and
see that consistency and clarity are important.''

Kuyt seemed destined to be leaving Anfield this summer after his starting
opportunities were reduced significantly last season, but has hinted he may be
open to staying with a new manager coming in to replace Kenny Dalglish.

"The focus is entirely with the Dutch team, but before our training camp I
spoke with my agent and discussed what I wanted and I am not thinking about it
until I can decide,'' he said.

"I think it's important there is someone who has confidence in me. And there must be genuine chance that I'm going to play as many matches as in the first five years.''