Liverpool fan’s worst nightmare was realised when Jurgen Klopp announced he will be leaving at the end of the season.
Nothing lasts forever, but given the German is contracted to Liverpool until 2026, it has come as a shock that he has decided to call it quits.
Liverpool now have the arduous task of attempting to replace Klopp – a man who revitalised the club and whose legacy has been compared to the likes of Anfield Boot Room legends Bob Paisley and Bill Shankly.
A new man will be in the dugout at Anfield next season and here are the early frontrunners to replace Klopp.
Xabi Alonso
Alonso has been one of the managerial success story of the season with the job he is doing at Bayer Leverkusen. His side were undefeated in all competitions and leading perennial favourites Bayern Munich at the time of Klopp’s announcement.
With his 3-4-2-1 formation, Alonso has turned the previously unfancied Bundesliga side into a counter-pressing machine, not dissimilar to what Klopp introduced at Liverpool eight years ago.
Embed from Getty ImagesAlonso may not offer the same intensity as Klopp in terms of his personality, but his strict focus on tactics and his preference for gegenpressing means his skills are easily transferrable over to Anfield.
The former Liverpool midfielder seems to be the perfect fit. His connection with the club and his successful time there as a player means if Liverpool come knocking it will be hard for Alonso to ignore his old employers.
Roberto De Zerbi
Brighton’s Italian manager has piqued the interest of every top club in European football so it is only logical to think that Liverpool are also keen.
Embed from Getty ImagesDe Zerbi’s first game with Brighton, in 2022, was at Anfield when the visitors deservedly roared into a 2-0 lead. It offered a glimpse into his philosophy and since then his Brighton side are one of the most exciting teams to watch in world football. Pep Guardiola even suggested that De Zerbi is “one of the most influential managers in the last 20 years.”
De Zerbi’s playing style is based on dominating possession, and his tactical flexibility means the Italian could be willing to switch his preference in order to coach Liverpool. His exuberance on the touchline will also endear him to the Anfield faithful.
Thomas Frank
Since being promoted from the Premier League in 2021, Brentford have rapidly established themselves as a top flight club under the tutelage of Thomas Frank.
The Dane has overseen some massive wins with Brentford, beating Manchester City twice and Chelsea three times – with only Brighton (40) taking more points against the ‘Big Six’ sides since Brentford’s promotion.
Embed from Getty ImagesFrank’s preference is for an imposing pressing game, with some of Brentford’s most relentless performances coming at the Gtech Community Stadium where they often run teams into the ground.
Given Frank’s tactical prowess and his powerful attachment with Brentford’s fanbase, it is no wonder he is admired by Liverpool.
Unai Emery
Another manager who might find it hard to turn down an offer from a team of Liverpool’s calibre is Aston Villa Unai Emery.
The Spaniard’s attempt to prove himself in the Premier League first time around did not go to plan at Arsenal, but his redemption story at Villa has been nothing short of sensational.
Embed from Getty ImagesHe has turned Villa into a club flirting with the bottom of the league to challenging for the title and looking like one of the favourites to secure a spot in the Champions League. The 52-year-old has been praised for his unwavering commitment to the job, surrounding himself with trusted advisors and coaching staff who have aided in his success.
Klopp was renowned for his overarching role at Liverpool and Emery is very much the same. It may be difficult to pry him away, but the temptation will surely be there for the Spaniard.
