Journalist Fabrizio Romano shares Liverpool’s shortlist for their next manager.
Liverpool is considering both Xabi Alonso and Roberto De Zerbi as potential replacements for Jurgen Klopp, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.
With Klopp announcing his departure at the end of the season, Liverpool has been actively scouting for his successor. This revelation may come as a surprise to many, but Liverpool has been quietly preparing for this transition for months, identifying suitable candidates to fill Klopp’s shoes.
Klopp’s departure has stirred significant interest and speculation within the Liverpool community and the football world at large. Despite the upheaval, reports suggest that Liverpool players see the remainder of the 2023/24 season as an opportunity to give their long-serving manager a fitting farewell.
Behind the scenes, Liverpool is gearing up for significant changes. They are expected to appoint a new sporting director following the impending departure of Jorg Schmadtke, who was considered a temporary solution. Former sporting director Michael Edwards was initially considered for a return but has declined the offer, prompting Liverpool to explore other options, including Richard Hughes from Bournemouth.
Romano emphasizes the importance of the sporting director’s role in shaping Liverpool’s managerial search. He confirms that Xabi Alonso and Roberto De Zerbi are among the top contenders for the managerial position, but Liverpool intends to finalize the appointment of a sporting director before making a decision.
Alonso’s current position as the manager of Bayer Leverkusen could complicate Liverpool’s pursuit, given Leverkusen’s success in the Bundesliga. Alonso himself remains non-committal about his future, leaving Liverpool with uncertainties regarding their managerial succession plan.
As Liverpool navigates through this transition period, they are keen on securing a clear path forward, whether with Alonso or another candidate, to ensure a seamless transition post-Klopp.
