Assistant manager leaves

[Lemmy]

Liverpool have revealed Pako Ayestaran has stepped down from his position as assistant manager to Rafael Benitez.
Ayestaran, who has been linked with a return to Spain, remains contracted to the Reds until 30 June 2008, meaning he cannot take up another job until then.

Chief executive Rick Parry told the club website: "After talks between Pako and Rafael, it would be in everyone's best interests if Pako leaves his post.

"Pako, however, will remain under contract to us until next summer."

Parry added: "The club want to thank Pako for his hard work and contribution to our success over the past three years."

Ayestaran worked together with Benitez at Tenerife and Valencia and they moved to Liverpool together in June 2004.

BBC SPORT | Football | My Club | Liverpool | Assistant Ayestaran leaves Reds

[Mighty T.A.L.]

He is highly rated by staff and players and will be missed.

[NJ10]

???

didnt he leave weeks ago? i heard Carragher talking about how he will be missed on a podcast a while back. it seems he was the friend to the players and the link between Rafa and the team. Rumour has it that Rafa was angered by Pako's friendship and admiration for Mourinho, and that he had lost trust in him. seems a bit strange and I'm sure there is a hidden agenda here cos it would appear on the face of it that he was a big part of our success.

[Mighty T.A.L.]

Yes, true. It's just a new official story in the medias today. Rafa and Pako didn't got along at the end.