Liverpool have been forced to look elsewhere after Xabi Alonso came out over the weekend and said he will be remaining at Bayer Leverkusen – and Roberto De Zerbi is a strong contender to take over.
The Italian manager is starring in his role as Brighton manager taking them into the Europa League last season – and despite wholesale injuries this time around, has guided Brighton into a lofty ninth place.
They could still make a late break for Europe, even if that is only the Conference League. Even so, it would be an incredible campaign given they have been in European competition this term, for the first time.
Roberto De Zerbi is top of Liverpool’s managerial shortlist
On Sunday, De Zerbi‘s Brighton came close to an upset against Liverpool – taking the lead at Anfield through Danny Welbeck. But, Luis Diaz and Mo Salah scored goals. Alexis Mac Allister with the assist.
Reports even claim that De Zerbi is top of Liverpool’s radar after the Alonso’s decision to stay put at Bayer. Michael Edwards is very interested in luring the £36k-a-week man to Anfield in the coming months.
Garth Crooks spoke about Liverpool hiring De Zerbi in his Team of the Week column – and thinks The Reds could do a lot worse than bringing the former Sassuolo gaffer to Merseryside, in the summer.
“Much has been made about the decision of Xabi Alonso to remain, but Liverpool could do much worse than offer Roberto de Zerbi the post. What he has done at Brighton is nothing short of miraculous.”
Is De Zerbi the man to replace Klopp at Liverpool?
As Crooks says, Liverpool could do a lot worse. Gary Neville recently said that De Zerbi’s style of football is “out of this world”, and that would instantly catch the eye of Liverpool fans as Klopp’s replacement.
Liverpool need a manager that is going to attract the love of fans, instantly. Fail to do so, and fans will start to miss Klopp. His shoes need to be filled quickly. Style of play then, is abslolutely fundamental.
Look at Tottenham. Antonio Conte, Jose Mourinho and more failed because of their style of play – and how it was nothing like Mauricio Pochettino’s style. De Zerbi is a very smart replacement for Klopp.
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