Setanta: Barnes backs AVB

John Barnes has backed Andre Villas-Boas to be the next Liverpool manager.

Villas-Boas is among the favourites to replace Kenny Dalglish after the Scot was sacked yesterday following a disappointing 16-month period in charge.

Chelsea sacked Villas-Boas in March amid reports he had lost the dressing room following a poor run of form which saw the Londoners drop out of the top four.

The 34-year-old is among the favourites for the position at Anfield and Barnes thinks he would do a good job if appointed.

"Andre Villas-Boas is a good manager," Barnes said at a Coca-Cola event to promote the Special Olympics in London. "His footballing philosophy and his style of play fit. He proved he could win things at Porto.

"He was at the right club at the wrong time with Chelsea. There were a lot of problems for him there because of the older players.

"He is a proven manager and he would be coming in to a humbler squad than the one at Chelsea if he came to Liverpool.

"He will get backing from the players. They will be eager to learn and listen to his plans. I think if it is going to be him he could do a good job at Liverpool."

Source: Setanta Sports