Dalglish: Rafael Benitez has made brave decision
Returning hero Kenny Dalglish has promised to make the most of his second chance with Liverpool.
The Scot - branded 'King Kenny' by the Anfield faithful after winning eight league titles and three Europeans Cups with the Reds as a player and then manager - confirmed yesterday he has accepted a senior role in the club's academy and as a global ambassador for the Merseysiders.
He immediately revealed his gratitude towards manager Rafael Benitez for handing him an official position at Liverpool for the first time since he quit as boss in February 1991.
"I spoke to Rafa a few months ago, and things have progressed from there," Dalglish told www.liverpoolfc.tv.
"Now that it has come to fruition I am very excited, but also a bit nervous.
"For the boss to put his trust in me is a great compliment, and I am coming back as a very lucky person.
"When you leave a club you don't often have a chance to return, so I am fortunate for being given such a fantastic opportunity."
Dalglish's appointment is part of a wide-ranging revamp of the Liverpool academy, which has been criticised for failing to produce enough youngsters with first-team potential.
Frank McParland was brought is as director last month, and Dalglish is delighted to be part of the renewed focus on youth.
"Rafa has made a very brave decision to revamp the academy," he said.
"Everyone knows the most important team at the club is the first team, and we hope we can start producing players to challenge for a place in Rafa's plans."
Benitez, who has been criticised for often favouring fellow Spaniards for key positions at the club, believes the appointment of Dalglish shows he is sympathetic to Liverpool's glittering past.
"We are changing things at the academy; we are bringing in new ideas and new people - but we're keeping the spirit and the heart of the club," he said.
"Kenny has played for the club; he's managed the club; he's done everything. He's a fantastic signing."
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Thursday 24 May 2012
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