Steve McManaman has suggested that his former club need realism as they look for a new manager to replace Kenny Dalglish.

The former Liverpool midfielder believes that anyone who thought the likes of Pep Guardiola would be interested in the job is not "living in the real world".

Liverpool's owners, Fenway Sports Group [FSG], have been criticised for their recruitment process, amid reports they would attempt to interview up to 12 candidates. The Reds have been given permission to speak to Wigan's Roberto Martinez, though Swansea's Brendan Rodgers has rejected the offer to talk to the club.

McManaman has said that the club and its supporters need to realise that appointing a manager like Jose Mourinho is "unrealistic".

"You can't identify Pep Guardiola and go and get him, you can't identify Jose Mourinho and go and get him.

"Those days of that type of appointment have long gone. It's unrealistic, isn't it?

"Of course, we'd like Pep or we'd like Jose Mourinho - but we're living in the real world."

McManaman has defended FSG's attempts to interview Rodgers and Martinez, among others.

"I know they're speaking to a number of managers, aren't they, and trying to bring in the right appointment," he said.

"They also spoken to a lot of high-calibre managers. It's just that we don't know about them.

"People are picking on Roberto Martinez and Brendan Rodgers.

"They're both wonderful managers and Roberto Martinez is a superstar - he's a friend of mine."

McManaman played for Liverpool from 1990 to 1999, making 274 appearances.