Liverpool legend Rafa Benitez to replace Manuel Pellegrini at Man City

Posted Sunday, March 15, 2015 by Dailystar.co.uk

RAFA BENITEZ is favourite to replace Manuel Pellegrini if Man City’s Abu Dhabi owners decide to sack him this summer.

And, in an ironic managerial twist, Pellegrini is himself at the centre of speculation that he could walk into Benitez’s job at Napoli when the Spaniard exits at the end of the season.

Pellegrini's position has been plunged into doubt after trailing Chelsea in the Premier League title race and facing a must-win Champions League clash at Barcelona this week.

If the Chilean ends up empty-handed after winning the title and Capital One Cup in his first season, the sheikhs will remain unimpressed.

Liverpool legend Rafa Benitez to replace Manuel Pellegrini at Man City
FEELING THE PRESSURE: Pellegrini could be sacked

Benitez now heads the Abu Dhabi shortlist if Pellegrini is axed with first choice Pep Guardiola unwilling to leave Bayern Munich for at least a year.

And another target, Diego Simeone, is not in any hurry to quit Atletico Madrid.

That puts the ball in Benitez's court with bookies being bashed with a late surge of bets that he will be Pellegrini's successor if he is ousted from The Etihad.

Benitez's odds have tumbled in the last 48 hours from 16-1 to 9-2 with Paddy Power as he increasing fits the bill demanded by the owners.

Benitez, 54, won the UEFA Cup with Valencia, the Champions League at Liverpool and the Europa League with Chelsea two years ago.

Liverpool legend Rafa Benitez to replace Manuel Pellegrini at Man City
NEW BOSS: Benitez is being tipped as the next City manager

And he would be handily placed for the commute after keeping the family home on Merseyside.

Pellegrini, 61, is doing his best to maintain he is at City for the long term but his agent Jesus Martinez cast doubt on that 24 hours earlier when he revealed his client would consider taking charge at Napoli.

But the City boss has one last chance to impress - by taking his side to the Nou Camp and beating Barca in their own back yard.

The City boss is backing his "Mr Motivator" Yaya Toure to be the big difference as Barcelona take a 2-1 first leg lead.

Pellegrini said: "I think that playing with Yaya makes the difference. He's a top player and a very important player for our team. He's motivated."