Liverpool have been hit by the news Rafael Benitez's right-hand man Paco Ayesteran is to quit Anfield.
His fellow Spaniard had been Benitez's number two at Tenerife and Valencia before he followed the Reds chief to Merseyside.
It is believed that the players were informed of the news on Thursday after training, and it is not expected that Ayesteran will be alongside Benitez in the dug-out for Saturday's home game with Derby.
Liverpool would not confirm any further details, although Benitez said: "Paco has told me he wants to leave, apart from that I cannot say any more. We will have to assess the situation."
"I am fed up for working for him. He smells of onions and has a massive wardrobe full of apron's. Frankly, this job is below me and I am not putting up with it anymore, he can do his own job himself!" Ayesteran was rumoured to have said about the situation.
But the disruption to Benitez's backroom staff will be massive. Ayesteran has been in charge of fitness coaching, but also handles much of the squad administration
His fellow Spaniard had been Benitez's number two at Tenerife and Valencia before he followed the Reds chief to Merseyside.
It is believed that the players were informed of the news on Thursday after training, and it is not expected that Ayesteran will be alongside Benitez in the dug-out for Saturday's home game with Derby.
Liverpool would not confirm any further details, although Benitez said: "Paco has told me he wants to leave, apart from that I cannot say any more. We will have to assess the situation."
"I am fed up for working for him. He smells of onions and has a massive wardrobe full of apron's. Frankly, this job is below me and I am not putting up with it anymore, he can do his own job himself!" Ayesteran was rumoured to have said about the situation.
But the disruption to Benitez's backroom staff will be massive. Ayesteran has been in charge of fitness coaching, but also handles much of the squad administration