Liverpool might still make a surprise appointment to replace Jurgen Klopp this summer.
The Reds are looking for the ideal candidate to replace Klopp, who is set to depart after almost nine years at Anfield.
So far, FSG’s search looks to have led them to Sporting manager Ruben Amorim. However, despite claims that Amorim has a contract offer on the table from Liverpool, nothing is done yet.
Instead, as reported by journalist David Ornstein, there is still a chance that the Reds hire someone a little unexpected. If an outside candidate fits their criteria, Michael Edwards and co won’t be afraid to bring him in.
And according to journalist Graeme Bailey speaking exclusively to Rousing The Kop, there’s only really one name who that ‘shock’ contender could be.
Graeme Bailey names ‘shock’ Liverpool contender
Aside from Amorim, there have been other names circling in regards to being on Liverpool’s radar. One of those has been Thiago Motta, Bologna’s current manager.
Motta has been doing a brilliant job with the Rossoblu over the past two years. As a result, we really think he should be in the frame for Liverpool.
And according to Bailey, if it isn’t Amorim for the Reds, it’s possible that the 41-year-old could be installed instead. However, Juventus look to be in pole position to appoint him for now.
“Michael Edwards is hugely into his analytics and things, they’ll be researching who’s out there,” says the journalist. “De Zerbi ticks a lot of boxes in that aspect. I don’t see De Zerbi for Liverpool, although he has been considered, as had Nagelsmann before the new deal with Germany.
“If it was a ‘shock’ you’d probably be looking at Thiago Motta who is a sensational coach. It looks as if Juventus are getting him, but if there was a ‘shock’, it wouldn’t surprise me if it was Motta,” adds Bailey. “He’s very much up there with the Amorim’s, I think it’ll be someone who plays that football.
“But Motta is a sensational coach, his thinking is out there, he’s done a remarkable job where he is now. He’s come across Liverpool’s radar.
“I don’t think there’s anyone British standing out there. I don’t think they’ll go down the Southgate, Potter type route, Liverpool. They’re not going to go down the Gasperini route. Someone like a young, up and coming one would be Motta if not Amorim.”
Liverpool still looking at Thiago Motta
Apart from Amorim, it has all gone a little bit quiet on who the other options could be for Liverpool. In fairness, that simply points to how good the Reds are at keeping these things under wraps.
And indeed, if Amorim is not the chosen one, then we would love to see Motta come in. The Brazilian born Italian really has been implementing some interesting ideas at Bologna.
With just six games to go in Serie A, they look primed to claim a Champions League spot for the very first time in their history.
Despite his excellent record though, it would still be a shock to see Motta hired by Liverpool. His name hasn’t really been strongly mentioned up to this point, and it would come as a slight bolt from the blue if it did end up being the former PSG captain.
