Managers of Liverpool, Man City warned of Hiddink shadow

Former Liverpool striker Stan Collymore says manager Rafa Benitez should be wary of the availability of Russia coach Guus Hiddink.

In his column for the Mirror, Collymore wrote: "Dutchman Hiddink, 63, is considering his future after Russia lost in the play-offs and failed to reach the World Cup.

"But I still admire him enormously for his hugely-impressive managerial career with sides such as PSV Eindhoven, South Korea and Australia.

"And, of course, last season he showed everyone in England exactly what he can do when he took over Luiz Felipe Scolari’s shambles at Chelsea and guided them to third and the FA Cup. I am not sure Hiddink will fancy kicking his heels in Russia until Euro 2012 and think he is definitely cut out for a big manager’s job.

"Liverpool’s 2-2 draw with Manchester City on Saturday showed both Benitez and Hughes are still a long way off Hiddink in terms of their tactical ability. Benitez’s tactics have often baffled me and his decision to sub Yossi Benayoun for Fabio Aurelio when Liverpool needed a winner was astonishing.

"And all the while Alberto Aquilani, the club’s £20million summer signing from Roma, was left on the bench. But while the doubters grow at Anfield, Hughes’ position at Eastlands must also be coming under scrutiny after six successive draws in the Premier League."