Liverpool Assistant Manager Pako Ayesteran is set to leave Anfield
after a series of disagreements with manager Rafa Benitez.
The Anfield No. 2 is understood to have left club on immediate
leave after matters between the two men came to a head yesterday
afternoon.
It is understood tensions between the pair - who have been close
colleagues for the last decade - have been brewing for several
months.
Matters finally reached a critical point at the Melwood training
ground yesterday when it's understood Ayesteran indicated he was
longer interested in working for Liverpool.
It is understood he will officially leave the club shortly once
administrative issues around his contract are resolved.
A series of disagreements are believed to have contributed to the
break-up of the partnership.
Ayesteran has had full control over the training and preparation of
the squad and there were alterations made during pre-season which
led to the disagreements.
It is not believed Ayesteran has an alternative offer under
consideration.
However, he was linked with Athletic Bilbao during the summer and
Liverpool supporters will be hoping rumours of interest from
Manchester United and Chelsea in Ayesteran's services are no more
than speculation.
Benitez will now have to begin the process of replacing a man
credited with much of the background work behind a successful
rebuilding of Liverpool.
Ayesteran is know for his skills in technical and physical areas,
including fitness techniques and sports science.
The back room staff which Benitez brought with him when he arrived
from Valencia three years ago has now effectively broken up, with
former coach Paco Herrera and goalkeeping coach Jose Ochotorena
also recent departures for entirely different, amicable
reasons.