Bayer Leverkusen head coach Xabi Alonso and Brighton boss Robert De Zerbi are the only names that are “confirmed” to be on Liverpool’s shortlist of options to succeed Jurgen Klopp, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.
Speaking to GiveMeSport, Romano explained that the Reds won’t be rushed into finding a replacement for the German, as there is the small matter of hiring a Director of Football as well:
“I still insist on two names confirmed who are Xabi Alonso and Roberto De Zerbi, who for sure are on the list. But I’m sure they will take their time and I’m still sure that Liverpool want to appoint a sporting director before deciding who is going to be the new manager.”
“So it’s going to be a new project with many things to decide, not just the manager and this is why I think they’re going to take some time.”
Appointing a sporting director is the top priority
At the moment, there aren’t any concrete names to replace Jorg Schmadtke but West Ham technical director Tim Steidten has been mentioned.
It is, though, very important that the new sporting director has a say on who succeeds Klopp as they will work very closely with the new manager.
One of the key reasons for Liverpool’s success in recent years was the strong relationship between Klopp and Michael Edwards. Klopp placed a lot of trust in his former sporting director who was the one that insisted the Reds sign Mo Salah in 2017.
Who else will Liverpool consider as candidates?
As Romano explains, it is too early in the process to look beyond the two names he mentions. However, the bookies have made Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim second favourite.
The Portuguese manager has already said that he will leave his position at Sporting in the summer if he doesn’t win a trophy this season.
