Liverpool’s strategic planning following Jurgen Klopp’s tenure is currently in progress, marked by Michael Edwards’ return as FSG’s newly appointed CEO of Football and the anticipated inclusion of Richard Hughes as the club’s sporting director.
Central to the agenda of this restructured hierarchy is the crucial task of selecting Klopp’s successor, as the esteemed manager relinquishes his role after an illustrious tenure spanning nearly nine years at the helm of the Reds.
This endeavor presents a formidable challenge, given Klopp’s remarkable track record, encompassing triumphs in all major competitions during his tenure at Anfield. Xabi Alonso, formerly of Bayer Leverkusen, emerges as an early frontrunner for Klopp’s position, leveraging his significant ties to Liverpool cultivated during his five-year tenure as a player. Alonso’s distinguished career includes prestigious victories in the Champions League and FA Cup, coupled with an impressive debut as a manager at Leverkusen.
At the age of 42, Alonso commands considerable attention in managerial circles, notably as Leverkusen inches closer to their maiden Bundesliga title, with promising prospects in the DFB Pokal and Europa League. The allure of Alonso’s services has also captured the interest of Bayern Munich, where he clinched three German league titles during his playing days, prompting Liverpool to explore alternative candidates.
Among the contenders under consideration are Julian Nagelsmann, current manager of the Germany national team, Ruben Amorim of Sporting CP, and Roberto de Zerbi, hailing from Brighton. As Liverpool navigates this pivotal transition, a careful selection process ensues to secure a worthy successor capable of upholding the club’s esteemed legacy and pursuit of continued success.
Arne Slot considered as potential replacement for Klopp
In January, upon the announcement of Jürgen Klopp’s departure, Feyenoord’s manager, Arne Slot, was queried regarding his potential interest in assuming the forthcoming vacant managerial position at Anfield.
Slot’s response, curtly dismissing the inquiry with a “Next question,” suggested his disinterest in pursuing the role.
Since Slot’s ascension to the managerial helm of Feyenoord in 2021, his team has exhibited remarkable prowess. Notably, they reached the inaugural Europa Conference League final in 2022 and clinched victory in the Eredivisie during the previous season.
Having secured the title of Dutch manager of the year on two occasions, Slot is perceived as poised to advance in his professional trajectory.
Last summer, Tottenham Hotspur extensively deliberated Slot as a potential candidate before ultimately selecting Ange Postecoglou. Moreover, Slot is purportedly favored by certain members of the Bayern board as a successor to Thomas Tuchel.
Presently, a prominent Dutch commentator has asserted Slot’s aptitude for the managerial position at Liverpool.
Mario Bilate, a former Eredivisie striker, remarked to RTV Rijnmond, “He has achieved something and has really shown in Europe that he has his own philosophy. A step higher will not be a problem. It will mainly be a choice of which club he thinks suits him best. I think that’s Liverpool.”
Notwithstanding such speculation, the appointment of the 45-year-old coach by Liverpool remains highly improbable at this juncture.
Nonetheless, Slot has recently been associated with West Ham and boasts an impressive win rate of 63.57% during his tenure at Feyenoord.