Key Highlights
- Roberto Martinez claimed he was offered the Liverpool manager’s job before Tom Werner’s statement.
- Tom Werner dismissed Martinez’s claim that he was offered the position in 2012.
- Martinez turned down the offer to remain with Wigan Athletic, while Brendan Rodgers was appointed as Liverpool’s new manager in 2012.
The Controversy Unfolds: Martinez’s Claim vs. Werner’s Version
Former Everton boss Roberto Martinez has stirred the waters once again by claiming he was offered the managerial position at Liverpool before the club’s co-owner Tom Werner made his statement.
Martinez, now in charge of Portugal’s national team and guiding them to success including a shock FA Cup final victory with Wigan Athletic in 2013, revealed that he had received an offer from Liverpool. However, this claim is directly contradicted by Tom Werner, who stated, “We engaged with a number of very experienced football people whose names have never been mentioned. We ended up focusing only on Brendan Rodgers – we never made an offer to any other manager.”
Werner’s statement leaves Martinez’s claim in question but does not entirely dismiss it. The former Everton manager has insisted that he was indeed offered the position, highlighting his belief that the club had considered him before appointing Brendan Rodgers.
The
Background
Liverpool’s Managerial History
Liverpool FC, known for their frequent managerial changes, has seen 14 different managers since Steve Heighway in 1986. In recent times, the club’s history of managerial instability adds an extra layer of intrigue to this latest development.
In 2012, Liverpool was on the lookout for a new boss after Sir Kenny Dalglish stepped down from his role. Reports suggested that Martinez, then at Wigan Athletic, was one of the favorites to take over.
However, it appears that the club’s co-owners had other plans.
Brendan Rodgers was appointed as Liverpool’s manager later that summer, and Tom Werner further clarified, “We were extremely impressed with Brendan, with his thoughtfulness and devotion to Liverpool. Brendan was the only candidate to whom we offered the position.”
Implications for the Future: Martinez’s Potential Return
The revelation adds another layer of complexity to Liverpool’s managerial situation. With Arne Slot under pressure following a poor title defense, the club may be reconsidering their options.
According to bookmakers, Roberto Martinez is among the candidates to replace Arne Slot if he fails to improve the team’s fortunes. However, his 2012 offer and subsequent decision not to join Liverpool highlight that the path of managerial success at Anfield is fraught with challenges.
Martinez has since secured Portugal’s place in next summer’s World Cup and reached the European Championships quarterfinals, but his claim about the Liverpool offer remains a point of contention. The club’s official stance leaves many questions unanswered, adding to the intrigue surrounding Liverpool’s managerial future.
