Liverpool are still engaged in the process of finding the right candidate to replace Jurgen Klopp.
The Reds never expected to be in this position a few short months ago, but are now having to make some big decisions.
For the time being, it seems as though Liverpool are still assessing exactly who should be in the final running to replace Klopp. Despite rumours that a deal had been agreed with Ruben Amorim, for example, that turned out not to be the case.
Instead, the Reds are seemingly continuing to asses the market, with a shortlist of five managers reportedly knocked up a couple of weeks ago.
It might be safe to assume that all of those five names will be in the final running when the time eventually comes. But according to journalist Fabrizio Romano, one of them has not been approached by FSG at all.
No contact between Liverpool and Roberto De Zerbi
As well as Liverpool, Bayern Munich are also trying to find a new manager for next season. Having been keen on Xabi Alonso, the German giants looked ready to fight the Reds all the way for their former player.
But after Alonso decided to stay at Bayer Leverkusen, both Liverpool and Bayern have had to switch their focus.
For the Munich side, they now look set to re-hire the man they sacked just over a year ago – Julian Nagelsmann.
However, Romano claims on his YouTube channel that before deciding on Nagelsmann, Bayern had made contact with former reported Liverpool target Roberto De Zerbi. The Reds, however, have not spoken to the Brighton manager at all.
“Roberto De Zerbi is still available there with a release clause,” says the journalist. “Also waiting for opportunities around Europe, so let’s see what’s going to happen with De Zerbi.
“He’s appreciated by Bayern but never really close to the job. He had some direct contacts – with Bayern yes, with Liverpool no, but never really close to getting the job until now.”
Could Roberto De Zerbi still be Liverpool manager
As things stand, De Zerbi would feel like more of an outsider to be Liverpool’s next manager. There were claims over the weekend that the Italian is still one of two ‘leading candidates’ alongside Amorim, though.
With Liverpool seemingly ready to take their time with appointing Klopp’s successor, it may still be weeks before we know exactly what is going on. It’s still possible that they’re yet to contact any of the potential candidates.
Having said that, there have been concrete claims from the well-connected David Ornstein that De Zerbi is not the kind of profile Liverpool are looking for.
Couple that with Romano’s information here, and we’d now be very surprised indeed to see the 44-year-old take the reigns at Anfield.