Liverpool are continuing to look for the right candidate to replace Jurgen Klopp as manager.
The Reds are currently locked in one of the most intense Premier League title battles of recent years. In the meantime, they need to make sure they make the right appointment to continue that form into next season.
That isn’t going to be an easy task. Klopp has been the most successful Liverpool manager of the modern era and is an all-encompassing figure at the club. No wonder the Reds are reportedly working from a five-man shortlist. They need to assess as many options as they can.
Ultimately, it’s impossible for anyone to not be a step down from Jurgen. However, what the new man can do is work from the blueprint that has made the German such a hit at Anfield.
For the first time publicly, we’ve heard from one of Liverpool’s squad on what qualities exactly they think the new man should possess. And from the captain, Virgil van Dijk, no less.
What has Virgil van Dijk said now
As the skipper at Liverpool, Van Dijk’s voice carries great weight. Even before he was given the armband in the summer, the Dutchman was an influential figure at the club.
So, when he spoke to The Rest Is Football podcast today, Liverpool supporters will have been hanging on every word.
Hosts Gary Lineker and Micah Richards had plenty of questions, with the subject of Klopp of course coming up. And asked what makes the Liverpool manager ‘so special,’ Virgil touched on exactly what it takes to manage the Reds.
With the hunt for the right replacement for the boss well underway, the 32-year-old’s words are especially interesting.
“It’s a special thing, from what I’ve seen, to be a manger of Liverpool Football Club,” says Van Dijk. “You need more than just being a good coach, you need to understand the city, the culture, the history of the club and live and breath being on top of Liverpool Football Club.
“That’s something I really learned over the years that’s really important to have and it’s not an easy attribute to have. Obviously, there’s only so many that could do that at a club like Liverpool.”
Who is still in the running for Liverpool
Whether Van Dijk will still be around to play under the new manager remains a slightly nervous subject for Liverpool fans. There have been rumblings that the captain could look to leave after Klopp.
However, if he does stick around – and hopefully he will – it’s becoming clearer who Van Dijk could be playing under.
Ruben Amorim looks like the current favourite, with Liverpool reportedly leading Barcelona in that race. Roberto De Zerbi continues to be mentioned too, despite some suggestions that he’s not being seriously considered.
Beyond those two, the trio of Thiago Motta, Julian Nagelsmann and Simone Inzaghi appear to be on the shortlist, too. Do any of these managers hold the qualities Van Dijk demands? Only time will tell.