Frank Rijkaard leaves Galatasaray amid Liverpool speculation

• Rijkaard leaves Turkish club after poor results
• Dutchman now the favourite to replace Roy Hodgson

Frank Rijkaard has left Galatasaray by mutual consent. Photograph: Turkpix/Press Association Images

Frank Rijkaard's contract as coach of Galatasaray has been terminated by mutual agreement, the club said today.

The former Uefa Cup champions are ninth in the Turkish championship after eight games, eight points adrift of leaders Bursaspor. They lost 4-2 against mid-table side Ankaragucu on Sunday. The Dutchman was appointed by the Istanbul club in 2009 after leaving Barcelona the previous year.

"As a result of mutual talks with technical director Frank Rijkaard ... we have decided to part ways," read a Galatasaray statement.

Rijkaard's availability has already led to speculation that he could replace Roy Hodgson as Liverpool manager. The 63-year-old Englishman has endured a torrid start to his tenure at Anfield and the club are in the relegation zone after almost a quarter of the season.

The odds on Rijkaard replacing Hodgson tumbled today and the Dutchman was 5/2 favourite with William Hill this morning. Martin O'Neill (10/3), Kenny Dalglish (5/1) and Guus Hiddink (8/1) are next on the list.

CannyOng

20 Oct 10, 23:50

O neal better la...

Liverpool don't need a CL winner. They need an proven English old hand who can guide Liverpool to UEFA spot first.

sg_forum

22 Oct 10, 14:09

Pelligrini please...

I used to dislike Rafa when he was in charge but think he was not a bad manager after all now think of it.

He wanted to get Malouda but was given Babel instead.

He wanted to get Vidic but was given Skrtel instead.

He wanted to get Villa & Silva but no fund given.

He wanted Dani Alves but no $.

But he did make some screwed up signings though...

dragg

22 Oct 10, 14:23

go for o neil.

The man who was death

22 Oct 10, 23:53

go for riijkaard and bring milan baros back

Rooney9

23 Oct 10, 20:23

hire steve mclaren

Medicated Oil

23 Oct 10, 20:29

If there is no funds to get a better squad, no manager on this planet can create a miracle for Liverpool.

dragg

24 Oct 10, 07:51

Originally posted by Medicated Oil:

If there is no funds to get a better squad, no manager on this planet can create a miracle for Liverpool.

its true. without money there isnt anything anyone can do for any club.

sg_forum

24 Oct 10, 12:55

do u think liverpool lying at 19th because lack of fund??? It's BS really...with a better manager, liverpool won't be as low as now. People mentioned players r not trying their best..there are some true i that but the main caused is the incapability of the coach, the tactics that frustrates the players...most of liverpool players are international players...so no excuse..RH tactics normally defend deep in their own half with midfielders lying deep, creating a huge gap between midfield and frontman! There is the reason why torres is not performing..because no one supply the ball to him! The everton game was the prove to it...players did not press everton players when they are in possession but instead hold back and return to their own half to defend! Torres aint maradona who can dribble and beat 6 players to score..he was 1 vs 6 everton players in the box at 1 stage..whatever it is, RH has to go and his press conferences comments are more ridiculous than his tactics..