Rafa appoints new youth manager

Liverpool’s youth Academy set up will greet a new face at Kirkby this summer with the appointment of Spaniard Jose Segura as technical director.

Segura replaces Piet Hamberg in the position, who it was announced earlier this week will part company with the club at the end of the season.

Segura has a good history of developing big players, having worked at Barcelona with their youth set-up. He went on to manage Olympiacos and won two Greek league titles before resigning last year.

On welcoming Segura to the Liverpool set up, Benitez said, “There’s a lot to do at the Academy, but we’ve worked hard to bring in the best people and Jose is a great appointment.

“He’s worked with some of the top young talent in Spain and knows the challenges faced in bringing through players to the first team set-up. He’s also got experience at the top after his success with Olympiacos and I’m delighted that he’s agreed to join us.”

The news may rule out the speculation that former Red Kenny Dalglish may be making a return to Anfield as part of Benitez’s team of staff.