Boudewijn Zenden interested in Liverpool return as assistant manager

Boudewijn Zenden has indicated he would be open to returning to Liverpool as Brendan Rodgers' assistant manager.

The former Barcelona, Chelsea and Sunderland winger and midfielder, who retired from the game in 2011, made 70 appearances in two seasons for the Reds and has been linked with filling the role vacated by Colin Pascoe last week.

Another former Liverpool stalwart Sami Hyypia has already confirmed his interest in taking up the position ahead of the 2014-15 season, but Zenden, who briefly served as Rafa Benitez's right-hand man during his spell in charge at Chelsea, also hopes to be in the running.

When asked by Dutch daily De Telegraaf whether he would apply for the role, he responded: "I keep all my options open for the new season. I have always enjoyed myself in the Premier League."

Ex-Manchester United coach Rene Meulensteen has also reportedly been considered for the role at Anfield. Pako Ayestaran, who worked alongside Benitez during his spell at Anfield has also been named in the running.

Hyypia would appear to be the favourite for the role, however. The former Liverpool captain returned to English football last year to take over at Brighton following a spell in charge of Bayer Leverkusen, but resigned in December 2014 after a miserable run of one win in 18 matches.

The 41-year-old believes an assistant role could be of great benefit to him, should no other suitable managerial roles come his way.

"My rise in management was rapid and I have been thinking a lot about things while I have been out, Hyypia recently told the Times. "If there were no interesting opportunities as a manager, then I would be ready to be an assistant.

"That sort of role would give me a lot of experience; it wouldn't be a problem for me. I feel ready to go into football again. You look at yourself and I am enthusiastic about getting back into the game."