Well, it’s Liverpool fans’ worst nightmare come true as Jurgen Klopp has announced he’ll be leaving the club at the end of the season.
Despite his current contract ending in 2026, the German said that he’s “running out of energy” and after nine years at the helm of the club, can fans really blame him?
It’ll be an emotional next few months for everyone associated with Liverpool as they prepare to say goodbye to the man who restored Liverpool’s position among the very elite of football.
However, focus must be placed on the future of the Merseyside club and who will be the best individual possible to succeed the 56-year-old as I believe there are two prime candidates for the job.
While it’ll be a tough act to follow Liverpool’s greatest manager of its modern era, I think Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso and Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi should be at the top of the replacement list.
Xabi Alonso
He’s one person that needs no introduction to Liverpool fans whatsoever. The Spaniard played five seasons for the club from 2004 to 2009 where he won the UEFA Champions League in his debut season – scoring in the final against AC Milan.
Following his career at Liverpool, Alonso played for Real Madrid and Bayern Munich under the stewardship of Jose Mourinho, Carlo Ancelotti and Pep Guardiola.
His managerial career began at Madrid where he coached their youth team before spending three years managing Real Sociedad B. His opportunity in top-level coaching came last year when he was appointed head coach of Bundesliga side, Bayer Leverkusen.
He qualified for the Europa League in his first season in charge while Bayer Leverkusen are currently top of the league with seven wins in their first eight games. His connection with Liverpool must not be understated if the Reds end up coming in for him but will face competition with Real Madrid with Carlo Ancelotti rumoured to be leaving the Spanish giants at the end of this season.
Roberto De Zerbi
The Brighton manager has quickly become one of the brightest coaching talents in Europe thanks to his work with the Premier League club.
Having been appointed by The Seagulls last season, after Graham Potter left to join Chelsea, the Italian made an instant impact in his first game with a 3-3 draw against Liverpool.
It ended up being a historic season for Brighton who finished sixth – their highest-ever finish in the Premier League – as he secured European football for the first time in Brighton’s history. The free-flowing style of football De Zerbi has accomplished at Brighton while selling their best players Alexis Mac Allister and Moisés Caicedo cannot be understated.
Once again, should Liverpool come in for him, they will surely face stern competition from Manchester City with rumours of Pep Guardiola soon ending his seven-year run as manager of the reigning Premier League champions.
LFC Globe Verdict
Both managers are destined for the top but a connection can never be understated in football, especially when it comes to Liverpool.
No other club has a connection among its fans, players, and managers like Liverpool and with Alonso’s history at Anfield, coupled with the stellar job he’s doing at Bayer Leverkusen, I believe the Spaniard is truly destined to return to Liverpool.
