Jurgen Klopp’s surprise decision to step down at the end of the season has left Liverpool searching for a new manager for the first time in over a decade.
AFP Sports examines five of the prospects to succeed the German next season:
1. Xabi Alonso (Bayer Leverkusen)
Alonso, a former Liverpool midfielder, is the front-runner due to his impressive performance with German club Leverkusen.
Bayern Munich’s dominance as German champions has not been challenged since Klopp’s Borussia Dortmund won back-to-back titles in 2011 and 2012.
But that streak is in jeopardy, with Leverkusen unbeaten in 27 games in all competitions this season and four points clear at the top of the Bundesliga.
The Spaniard is putting his exceptional football education into effect, having previously played for Pep Guardiola, Jose Mourinho, Carlo Ancelotti, Rafael Benitez, and Vicente del Bosque.
Although Alonso is admired by previous teams Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, Klopp’s departure may allow Liverpool to rush for Europe’s hottest coaching prospect.
2. Roberto De Zerbi (Brighton)
Since taking over at Brighton in September 2021, the Italian has received excellent praises for his results and style of play.
De Zerbi guided the Seagulls into Europe for the first time in club history last season, and they advanced to the Europa League’s round of 16.
However, he was reminded of Brighton’s position in the Premier League food chain when Liverpool signed Alexis Mac Allister in the summer transfer window and attempted to sign Moises Caicedo before he joined Chelsea for a British transfer record cost in August.
De Zerbi has rebuilt admirably, with Brighton seventh in the Premier League table, but the opportunity to compete for trophies at Anfield would be difficult to turn down.
3. Julian Nagelsmann (Germany)
Naglesmann’s spectacular ascent following success at Hoffenheim and RB Leipzig was derailed last year when he was fired by Bayern after less than two years in command of the Bavarian side.
The 36-year-old has subsequently taken on the responsibility of resurrecting Germany’s fortunes in time for the Euro 2024 tournament on home soil.
So far, friendly results have been disappointing, with only one win in four games, including losses to Turkey and Austria.
Regardless of how Nagelsmann and his country perform at the Euros, he may prefer the day-to-day thrill of club coaching next season.
4. Ange Postecoglou (Tottenham)
Postecoglou’s personality and coaching skills have altered the environment at Tottenham, just like Klopp’s arrival did nine years ago.
The Australian is only six months into a four-year contract, and Spurs would demand a high price if Liverpool pursued Postecoglou.
However, the 58-year-old has previously demonstrated his ruthlessness by jumping ship when a better chance presented itself.
Postecoglou left Yokohama Marinos in the middle of the season to join Celtic in 2021, having previously left the Scottish champions after winning five trophies in two seasons.
5. Steven Gerrard (Al-Ettifaq)
Gerrard, one of Liverpool’s best ever players, would have been a front-runner for the role just a few years ago.
However, the former England captain’s coaching career has stalled since guiding Scottish giants Rangers to their first top-flight league victory in 13 years in 2021.
Gerrard was fired by Aston Villa after less than a year in charge, and his successor, Unai Emery, has transformed the club from relegation prospects to Premier League title contenders.
He joined the flood of great names to the Saudi Pro League last year to take over Al-Ettifaq, and despite mediocre results, he just extended his contract there until 2027.