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Pako Ayestaran is believed only to be interested in a role as a number one manager despite being linked with a shock return to Liverpool – as Brendan Rodgers’ new first-team coach.

The Spanish coach, who was Rafa Benitez’s No 2 at Anfield from 2004 to 2007, has just completed an historic year in Israel where he managed Maccabi Tel Aviv to become the first team ever to win the treble.

The 52-year-old has already told Maccabi he will not return next year and he has always kept close links with Merseyside since his departure, following the breakdown in his relationship with Benitez.

However, it is understood he wishes to continue as a manager in his own right while Liverpool have not yet made any approach to Ayestaran or held any discussions with him.

Friday’s departure of Rodgers’ assistant coach Colin Pascoe and first team coach Mike Marsh leaves major roles to be filled at Melwood and Ayestaran would certainly pass the experience test which is said to be high on the list of qualities Liverpool are seeking.

A thorough recruitment process is already underway at Anfield but no appointments are said to be imminent in terms of the next few days.

His move to Israel last August came after a spell in charge of Mexican second division side Estudiantes Tecos.

In an exclusive interview with the ECHO two months ago Ayestaran said a future as a Premier League manager was his dream and said his period at Liverpool was probably the best time of his life

He said: “Managing in England? This is one of the dreams.

“I think whoever has managed or coached in England will tell you it’s one of the best places to work. It’s the respect you get for your work and how professional everything is.”

He also highlighted his love for Merseyside and his family’s ongoing links with the area, where they have kept their house in Hoylake.

“My second son is a Scouser,” he said proudly of 10-year-old Unai.

“My family and I love the Wirral. It feels like home around there and we’re very attached to it. We’ll be back there again this summer.

“I have so many unbelievable memories from my time at Liverpool. That was probably the best part of my life.

“That feeling of being part of the Liverpool family and being loved by the supporters.

“The respect everyone shows you in England but especially at Liverpool for the work you do, that’s impossible to feel anywhere else.”