Former Liverpool midfielder James Milner says he agrees with those who say there are similarities between Jurgen Klopp and Brighton boss Roberto De Zerbi.

Milner has worked under both managers so he is in a perfect position to compare the two, and he claims they share many of the same traits:

“Yeah, for sure [they’re similar], they’re both genuine people. I think sometimes people can be very different in front of cameras than they are behind closed doors.”

“They’re both approachable, passionate, desperate to win, bounce around the technical area. They want to make that tackle with you and run that last yard, that’s nice to see and that’s an important thing to see.”

De Zerbi is on the shortlist of candidates to replace Klopp

Respected journalist Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that De Zerbi is on the list of options that Liverpool’s owners Fenway Sports Group are considering for Klopp’s successor.

The 44-year-old and Bayer Leverkusen head coach Xabi Alonso are said to be among the leading contenders to take up the position in the Reds’ dugout for the start of next season.

Liverpool will have to fend off Premier League rivals if they want to hire the Italian

Both Manchester United and Chelsea are also known to be considering De Zerbi as a potential managerial candidate. After Sir Jim Ratcliffe took up a minority stake in the Red Devils, the British billionaire has been looking at replacing Erik ten Hag.

However, any decision on sacking the Dutchman may wait until the end of the campaign. It is a similar situation for Chelsea, who are expected to decide on Mauricio Pochettino’s future in the summer.

With Liverpool having already started their search for a new head coach, it could give them the edge if they want to appoint De Zerbi.