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Bayern shock decision proves Liverpool right over £12.8m chase that has spiralled out of control

Liverpool’s managerial search appeared to take numerous twists and turns before the Reds settled on Arne Slot.

In the public eye, Xabi Alonso was the first front-runner only to announce in late-March that he had decided to stay put at Bayer Leverkusen. Sporting Lisbon’s Ruben Amorim then became the name linked most, only for Liverpool to opt for the left-field appointment of Slot instead.

Yet such speculation perhaps does not portray an accurate picture of a considered search for Jurgen Klopp’s successor that actually took place, which, in retrospect, Reds bosses were always in full control of.

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Taking place behind closed doors, there was never any approach for Alonso while Amorim was another name that was immediately dismissed with figures at the club insisting their search for Klopp’s successor was still in its infancy by the end of March.

Consequently, after an exhaustive, data-led approach from Michael Edwards and director of research Will Spearman, Slot emerged as the club’s first-choice target. He became strongly fancied by the Anfield hierarchy, given he fits all of the criteria that have been set out during the process of finding Klopp’s replacement – including boasting a playing style that was seen to most resemble the German’s at Liverpool.

Paper-talk might have portrayed a tale of the Reds eventually deciding upon their third target, but the reality is somewhat different. But the same cannot be said of Bayern Munich.

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Unlike Liverpool, their managerial search has very much taken place publicly. And after a disappointing trophyless season in Bavaria, it has proven to be a chaotic pursuit that has grown increasingly out of control.

Like the Reds, Bayern were heavily linked with Alonso. Yet they made no secret of their desire to appoint their former midfielder. His rejection left them disappointed, with such a feeling one that they have had to grow accustomed to in recent months.

Julian Nagelsmann would opt to extend his contract with Germany, while they were also rejected by Ralf Rangnick and Roger Schmidt. An approach for Oliver Glasner was also rejected by Crystal Palace, while both Julen Lopetegui and Unai Emery informed them they wanted to work in the Premier League.

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Attempts to persuade departing boss Thomas Tuchel to stay put ended in failure, while reported interest linking Hansi Flick with a return evidently went nowhere.

But now, after a plethora of rejections, Bayern are set to make a left-field move of their own as they close in on the appointment of Burnley boss Vincent Kompany.

Given that the Belgian was unable to keep the Clarets in the Premier League, suffering relegation with just 24 points despite spending £90m over the course of the season, it is a surprising choice for Bayern. But it also demonstrates exactly how chaotic their managerial search has been – in complete contrast to Liverpool.

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In truth, Kompany’s managerial career has hardly been spectacular. While he won promotion to the Premier League in his first season with Burnley, prior to that he had underwhelmed in two seasons with Anderlecht.

Initially returning to the Belgian club as player-manager in July 2019, he relinquished his managerial duties at the end of August as Anderlecht endured their worst opening start to a league campaign since the 1998/99 season.

Then appointed head coach the following August after hanging up his boots, he led Anderlecht to fourth and third place finishes, Europa Conference League elimination in the play-off round, and a 2022 Belgian Cup final defeat before moving to Burnley.

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Apparently, such a C.V. is still worthy of a £12.8m compensation fee though, with Kompany set to become one of the most expensive managers in the world and actually cost Bayern more than Liverpool paid for Slot. Burnley reportedly want €20m for the Belgian, with it suggested a €15m compromise will be agreed.

Feyenoord initially rejected the Reds’ opening offer of around £8m before an agreement was reached to pay £9.4m.

With Slot leading Feyenoord to only their second Eredivisie title since 1999 and a first European final since 2002 – as well as a first KNVB Cup since 2018 – his three seasons at De Kuip were a resounding success. Consequently, he attracted interest from both Leeds United and Tottenham Hotspur, before accepting a move to the Premier League at the third time of asking.

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Previously impressing at Cambuur and AZ Alkmaar, his arrival at Anfield is increasingly being perceived as a shrewd appointment. Especially in contrast to the messy debacle that has proven to be Bayern Munich’s own search and their imminent gamble on Kompany.

With Chelsea also dismissing Mauricio Pochettino on Tuesday, and Erik ten Hag’s futures at Manchester United uncertain ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup final, Liverpool have been rewarded further for the manner in which they handled their own managerial search and the straight-forward nature of Slot’s appointment.

Whether he proves to be a successful successor for Klopp, only time will tell. But Kopites are at least calm about the future, reassured by Reds bosses’ confidence that they have appointed the right man, having known exactly what they were doing right the way through their entire six-month managerial search. Their Bavarian counterparts certainly can’t claim the same.

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