According to Fabrizio Romano, Liverpool are targeting two up-and-coming managers to succeed Jurgen Klopp after Xabi Alonso ruled himself out.
The Reds will be back in action this weekend after a two-week international break when they host Brighton and Hove Albion at Anfield in the Premier League.
Despite the break, it hasn’t allowed Liverpool to step out of the spotlight, as the imminent departure of Jurgen Klopp continues to be a hot topic of conversation in the media, especially considering the club will be actively working to find his successor.
The German coach will bow out after eight and a half seasons in charge on the red side of Merseyside and intends to take some time out of football management to focus on his health.
The most popular candidate to step into Klopp’s shoes has undoubtedly been former Liverpool midfielder and Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso, however, the 42-year-old spoke out this week to confirm that he intends to stay with his Bundesliga club for the immediate future and will not leave next season.
As a result, Liverpool will need to look elsewhere for their ideal successor for their beloved German boss and Fabrizio Romano has now revealed two names that are popular with the club (via Caught Offside):
“Xabi Alonso’s decision means that Liverpool have to turn their attentions elsewhere for a new manager, so keep an eye on two that I’ve already mentioned here multiple times,”
“Ruben Amorim is higher on the list as of now, and Roberto De Zerbi. They are two of the candidates but not the only ones for the Liverpool job.”
“There could be also other candidates, so we will see what Liverpool will decide internally.”
“Liverpool are well informed on Amorim’s contract at Sporting, and in my opinion he’s a very good coach. Sometimes he’s been underrated but his level is very good.”
Who will be the next Liverpool manager?
There is no doubt that the Anfield faithful are very much focused on the Europa League run and the chase for the Premier League title at the moment, so there is really no pressure on FSG to make an immediate decision on who they want to take the reins next season.
Indeed, it will be a huge blow that Alonso – a man who is familiar with the club, the city and the culture – will not be an option heading into the summer recruitment drive, but there are still a number of options to explore.
Ruben Amorim and Roberto De Zerbi are both young and upcoming managers who are well respected both domestically and on the European stage too, but the pair have little experience and no proven success to suggest they can handle the pressures of a club of Liverpool’s stature.
With that being said, there is still a lot to be considered for the Liverpool hierarchy, and the right appointment must be made, as getting it wrong could be massively costly to the progress and foundations Klopp has built over the years.
