Liverpool's chairman Tom Werner has admitted Kenny Dalglish has the qualities he is looking for in his pursuit of a long-term manager, and he revealed he has been very impressed with the Scot's impact at Anfield.
Dalglish stepped in as caretaker boss until the end of the season after nine league defeats in 20 matches led to the dismissal of Roy Hodgson. Liverpool are yet to win in three games under the guidance of the man who won three league titles during his first reign, but Werner is not concerned.
The first-half performance in Liverpool's most recent match against Everton, a game they eventually drew 2-2, provided a glimpse of a more attacking outfit under Dalglish, and Steven Gerrard recently revealed he is desperate to see the 59-year-old get the job full-time. Werner confessed that scenario is a distinct possibility.
"Kenny is a remarkable person and an iconic figure in our club's history. He's got many of the qualities we admire," Werner told Sky Sports News. "He's confident, he understands the club's philosophy, he's excellent at man management, and we've been very pleased with the progress. Obviously he's only been in the job for the short term, but the players are supportive of Kenny and I've been impressed with him.
"Kenny is certainly a candidate, he understood when he took the position that it was a short-term agreement, but he certainly has done everything to impress not just us, but the fans and the players."
Werner was keen to pay respect to Hodgson, insisting the former Fulham boss was simply operating in the wrong dugout.
"Roy is a good man and a good manager," Werner said. "There are times when you say 'this is not the right fit'. Nobody could have been happy with our performance and we all take responsibility for that. We expected our fortunes would improve, and at some point it's important to stabilise the situation, turn the page and look forward in a new direction.
"We've been in the sports business a long time and we've been winners with Boston. We're looking out for the club not only in the short term, but the long term. You don't like to sack anybody, but it was time to move forward in a new direction."
That new direction could see Ajax star Luis Suarez heading to Anfield if reports are to be believed, and Werner assured fans that he is well aware that the current Liverpool team is not up to the Kop's expectations.
"The ethos of the club is something that is so inspirational. We have a great fan base and I'm privileged to be here. We'll look back at this period as 'early days'. We know we have a challenge ahead of us because the club is not performing to the standard that the supporters want. But we're very optimistic.
"We don't have any budget for this. We believe if there is value in the transfer market, we will attack. This is a crazy market. You think you have a target you can announce, but then something happens.
"We'll be driven by the interests of the team long-term, and we feel we've got some targets that we'll be able to announce. Damien [Comolli] has been on the phone and we talk, and we hope we can have a match with someone we desire and that they'll come to Anfield. We certainly have the resources."
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