Hansen said: "I've heard the talk it is between Charlton's Alan Curbishley and Rafael Benitez of Valencia, but this is only speculation and I actually have no firm view on who it should be.
"What I do know is that this is a dream time to be taking over at Liverpool. There is really only one way Liverpool can go now, and that is up. Liverpool have two of England's world class players in Michael Owen and Steven Gerrard, and will have big money to spend.
"The new man must first of all get Owen to sign a new deal and assure Gerrard that ambitious moves are in place to take the club forward.
"And then, as Houllier would have had to do if he stayed, he must get the club's next three signings right because they cannot afford to fall further behind Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United.
"But, come what may, Liverpool can only move forward."