Who will be Liverpool’s next manager? It’s going to be a question that will be asked again and again during the next few months.
Unless Liverpool make an early announcement as to who will be Jurgen Klopp’s successor, more than likely, that question won’t be answered until after the final ball is kicked for the 2023/24 campaign.
Sources told HITC Football that Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso is on the list, alongside Brighton and Hove Albion’s Roberto De Zerbi.
Whilst Xabi Alonso’s name seems front and centre of everyone’s lips, Kevin Hatchard stated on Twitter that he feels Julian Nagelsmann is a better option for Liverpool.
It has been around 12 months since the 37-year-old was sacked by Bayern Munich, before Germany came knocking and he took that gig.
Now, Julian Nagelsmann, who has been dubbed the ‘real deal’, is going to remain in that post for Euro 2024, which will be in Germany itself, and after that, anything can happen.
Realistically, if Liverpool wanted, they could still bring him in, but it would be tight because a large element of planning would be needed for the following campaign.
Either way, Bundesliga expert Kevin Hatchard explains why he feels Julian Nagelsmann is ahead of Xabi Alonso to replace Jurgen Klopp.
Julian Nagelsmann and Xabi Alonso
“Obviously, thoughts will turn to the next coach,” said Hatchard. “My choice would be Julian Nagelsmann.
“Tactically so smart, learnt a lot from a bruising experience at Bayern, and has the drive and energy to really build something at LFC.
“Obviously, the Xabi Alonso link is a strong one and a romantic one. Has done a terrific job at Leverkusen. I would put Nagelsmann ahead on experience and track record, but it would be a nice problem to have to choose between them!”
What type of manager do Liverpool need?
This is also very important. Klopp’s style suited the Reds down to the bone. This heavy metal style. Non-stop action.
This current crop of players, from Darwin Nunez to Alexis Mac Allister, probably need a manager of that ilk to continue their progression.
If you decided to go down a Pep Guardiola-esque style, more controlled and laid back, then it might not aid the players currently at the club.
Either way, whoever does come in, for the first time in decades, they have a mountain of pressure on their shoulders.
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