Liverpool are currently in pursuit of a new manager to take the reins at Anfield after Jurgen Klopp leaves at the end of the season.
However, the Reds have been dealt a serious blow with regards to their first-choice option, with Xabi Alonso admitting he’s planning to stay on at Bayer Leverkusen.
The Liverpool cult hero was said to be a key target for the Anfield hierarchy in wake of his heroics at the Bundesliga club this season.
“This is the right way for me to develop as a coach,” Sky Sports quoted the 42-year-old as saying. “I am a young coach, but right now, I feel this is the right place.”
With that in mind, Liverpool now have to look elsewhere for Klopp’s successor, and two names in particular are doing the rounds.
Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim is said to be in the frame for the Reds job, as is Roberto De Zerbi of Brighton & Hove Albion.
Now, Dean Jones has provided an update on the state of play involving Liverpool and their search for a new manager.
What has Dean Jones said about Liverpool managerial search?
After suggesting Reds fans should be “slightly worried” by Alonso’s snub, the transfer insider wrote on GiveMeSport about the situation involving Amorim and De Zerbi.
Jones also talked about a potential third option in Julian Nagelsmann, even though he acknowledged the 36-year-old has a “massive job with Germany” at Euro 2024.
“Alonso’s stance changes everything about how we view life after Klopp,” said Jones.
“He felt like the safest choice for the club, he offered a bit of everything in terms of quality, potential, identity and passion.
“I would be slightly worried now as a Liverpool fan because he was the best option in front of them.
“We have said before that Liverpool have always had backup plans in the background and that the two main ones were Amorim and De Zerbi.
“This is the first time I have truly begun to wonder if De Zerbi starts to gain momentum as a proper contender though.
“There are a couple of complicated matters to get over before Amorim would agree and if that does not come together then Brighton are suddenly in a very real fight to hold onto a man that Liverpool have already explored inside-out.
“And Bayern like him too. Beyond those two we’re probably looking at Nagelsmann, who I think would fancy it in principle but has a massive job with Germany to focus on.”
TBR View
This is one of situations where you can completely understand Alonso’s point of view. Indeed, it’s commendable that he wants to stay put at Leverkusen and keep learning.
At the same time, Liverpool now need to look elsewhere. Let’s see what happens in the coming weeks and months with regards to new leads and concrete interest.
The post 'I'd be slightly worried as a Liverpool fan': Journalist shares update on Anfield manager search appeared first on TBR Football.