Liverpool are looking to replace Jurgen Klopp as manager at the end of the season and there have been some major developments ahead of the Premier League game against Brighton.
Liverpool are back in Premier League action on Sunday, with Brighton visiting Anfield, but many of the headlines concern the club’s next manager.
The Reds can make a statement in their 2pm kick-off and put pressure on their title rivals who face each other later on. Defending champions Manchester City host leaders Arsenal knowing neither can afford a loss with 10 matches remaining in the three-horse race.
Yet it is the identity of Jurgen Klopp’s successor as Liverpool manager which has been getting fans talking this week. That is because Xabi Alonso – the former Liverpool midfielder and bookies’ favourite – has ruled himself out of the race, preferring to stay with Bayer Leverkusen. With Alonso out of the running, the race is wide open, with Michael Edwards left to assess the remaining candidates.
Alonso accused of cowardice
Alonso said on Friday that Leverkusen remains “the right place for me to develop as a coach”, but his decision is not a popular one. Richard Keys had stuck his neck out by claiming earlier in the week that Alonso had decided to join Liverpool – and he’s now fuming.
“I would question the size of his cojones. They’re ‘Leicesterkusen’ because Bayer Leverkusen will never again have a season like this,” he said on beIN SPORTS. “Right now his stock is as high as it will ever be and his opportunities are as broad and as great as they’ll ever be and I think he has bottled it.”
Joe Cole is of a similar opinion, saying on TNT Sports: “I think it’s a terrible decision. He is the hottest property in world football, in management right now. A manager’s stock goes up and down so quickly. I think he should have made the move this summer because in a year’s time it could be completely different.”
Amorim addresses Liverpool links
Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben Amorim has played down speculation linking him with Liverpool. The 39-year-old Portuguese coach has drawn attention through his impressive work with Sporting and is on Edwards’ shortlist to replace Klopp.
“Right now, I’m focused on Sporting,” he said when asked about leaving. “I’m very proud to be Sporting’s coach. We’re focused on winning titles. You’ll see in the end. I have a contract and I’m very happy here. That’s the most important thing, more than contracts, I’m very happy here. The focus is on beating Benfica in the Portuguese Cup.”
If Liverpool want him, they could take advantage of a release clause written into his deal. That is understood to be £12.8million if triggered this summer.
Away from the next manager speculation, Liverpool have a big game on Sunday against Brighton. Klopp has used the build-up to lavish praise on Alexis Mac Allister, who has been impressive since joining from the Seagulls last summer.
“Alexis is exactly the player I hoped he would be; super-influential, super-smart, great guy. [He] loves playing for Liverpool as well, which is really important,” Klopp said.
“He’s a rhythm-giver, he’s a difference-maker, [he] can control moments of the game. [He is] always there, always involved, nothing is too much for him, he’s really a top, top, top player. But we had that sense when we signed him and he fulfilled all our expectations and more.”
