Michael Edwards is returning to Liverpool, and it seems that he already has a preference as to the identity of the Reds’ next manager.
The 44-year-old worked brilliantly in tandem with Jurgen Klopp during his previous spell at Anfield as sporting director, but the German will be leaving at the end of the season, leaving his successor with an incredibly hard act to follow.
According to HITC, Edwards and FSG are in ‘full agreement’ that Xabi Alonso would be ‘the best fit for the club’, with the Bayer Leverkusen boss working wonders in the Bundesliga and already having plenty of clout on Merseyside following five marvellous years with us as a player in the 2000s.
There’s believed to be a ‘confidence at Liverpool’ that the hierarchy will get their first choice, but they have alternatives in mind in case the Spaniard doesn’t work out, with Roberto De Zerbi and Julian Nagelsmann namechecked as two other viable candidates.
On top of this morning’s news about Edwards returning, Liverpool fans will also be encouraged to hear that Alonso is his preferred choice to take over from Klopp, and that there’s a confidence within the hierarchy that the 42-year-old can be enticed to Anfield from Leverkusen.
The battle with Bayern Munich for his services looks set to continue apace over the coming weeks, but with the Reds seemingly about to land Richard Hughes as sporting director, having the revamped boardroom in place should help considerably with LFC’s search for their next manager.
As for the alternative options mentioned in the report, De Zerbi is keeping Brighton in contention to qualify for Europe again for next season, although his team’s curious tendency to ship heavy defeats (Fulham and Roma offer two recent examples) may be a red flag.
Nagelsmann has already experienced some of the biggest coaching jobs in European football by the age of 36, while he’s currently set to become available once Germany’s involvement in Euro 2024 concludes, unless he’s offered and agrees to a renewal of terms with the country’s FA.
Alonso remains the preference of many Liverpool supporters, though, and it’s helpful that he also appears to be Edwards’ first choice to succeed Klopp. The next few weeks could possibly see some big developments in the managerial search.
Why are LFC looking at second rate managers – Julian Nagelsmann – his management of the German national team says it all.
De Zerbi – like Nagelsmann are prone to tactical disasters. Please do not look at Tuchel –
Not all club managers make great international managers
Totally agree not good enough
Xabi Alonso will be the best replacement for Jurgen Klopp.
Why is nobody considering the current assistant manager, Pepijn Lijnders? I believe he can continue with Klopp’s philosophy, methods and legacy.
Yes. Wholeheartedly agree with you. Pep would be a great follow on after Jurgen
But of course Pep Lijnders should be the next Liverpool Maneger
I tend to agree with Pepijn Lijnders. It will simply give Liverpool a continuity of Klopp’s philosophy.
Pep Lijnders would be a brilliant manager for us as he’s worked with Jurgen and knows the players
Let pepijn Lijnders stay as a full manager.
Let pepijn Lijnders succeed Jürgen as full coach
Lyjinders is the best choice if Alonso not available
If Alonso declines our offer, get Pep Lndjers at all cost. We’re solidly behind him to continue Klop’s legacy. Klop himself should encourage his assistant to succeed him. We want continuity
Alsono far and away the best choice. Lijnders needs to go carve his own path first and can then return if he has the necessary success. he would just be compared to a Klopp Lite – ‘the 2nd man’, the way things stand now. He needs time out of the shadow to grow as a manager all in his own.
Steven Gerrard should be considered. His love for LFC, passion for the game, being a Super Red would afford him the ability to develop through intestinal fortitude and inject consciousness.
Only one name_ Steve Gerrard
Because he’s already said that he’s leaving and not all great assistants make great managers.