Sean Fisher

Thu 7 March 2024 13:36, UK

The Liverpool search for a new manager has taken a new turn this week with the news that Xabi Alonso is more likely to leave Bayer Leverkusen for Bayern Munich than the Merseyside giants.

It means the supporters’ dream of their former midfielder succeeding Jurgen Klopp is receding, while other contenders climb up the pecking order.

The Reds boss announced in January that he is ready to pass the torch at Anfield after nine hugely successful years in charge of the club.

Liverpool owners FSG are busy working through a shortlist of suitable candidates with just weeks now remaining until Klopp’s reign ends.

With rumours swirling and other clubs in the hunt for a new manager this summer, let’s take a look at the top 10 candidates to become the next Liverpool manager as things currently stand.

10. Steven Gerrard (Al-Ettifaq)

Many Liverpool supporters will want Gerrard to return to Anfield on the sidelines one day, but this opportunity has come too soon for the legendary midfielder.

He has had mixed success during his six years as a manager after making headlines in Scotland by going unbeaten to win the league with Rangers.

However, his reputation has been tarnished by a disappointing spell at Aston Villa followed by a controversial move to manage in Saudi Arabia.

Managerial statistics: Managed (256) | Wins (147) | Draws (57) | Losses (53) – Overall win rate (57.2%)

9. Pep Lijnders (Liverpool)

Lijnders is an in-house option for Liverpool with the 41-year-old acting as Klopp’s right-hand man for the past nine years.

However, his own managerial career has been short-lived after his spell with Dutch side NEC lasted just five months before he came crawling back to Anfield.

Lijnders is held in high regard for his tactical mind but he’s hardly ready to replace Klopp.

Managerial statistics: Managed (22) | Wins (11) | Draws (4) | Losses (7) – Overall win rate (50%)

8. Julen Lopetegui

The 57-year-old Spaniard is available and looking for a new job this summer after his shock departure from Wolves in 2023.

Lopetegui performed well in the Premier League, taking Wolves up to 13th in the table before leaving Molineux in the summer because of the club’s worrying financial position.

He represented both Real Madrid and Barcelona during his playing days and as a manager he has enjoyed success at both club and international level.

Managerial statistics: Managed (403) | Wins (230) | Draws (89) | Losses (84) – Overall win rate (57%)

7. Michel Sanchez (Girona)

A managerial CV of Rayo Vallecano, Huesca and Girona is certainly underwhelming on paper, but there is a reason Sanchez has been linked to the likes of Barcelona and Newcastle United this season.

The 48-year-old has taken Girona from the second division in Spain to become a formidable force in La Liga this season.

They currently sit second – seven points behind Real Madrid – with 11 games remaining to push for the title.

Managerial statistics: Managed (275) | Wins (119) | Draws (63) | Losses (93) – Overall win rate (43.3%)

6. Thomas Tuchel (Bayern Munich)

The former Chelsea boss is stepping down at Bayern Munich and will be up for grabs in the summer.

Despite a disappointing year in Bavaria, Tuchel’s experience at Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea, Borussia Dortmund and now Bayern will make him a solid option for many clubs looking to make a change.

Having had success by poaching Klopp from the Bundesliga, Liverpool might be tempted to replace him with another charismatic German.

Managerial statistics: Managed (599) | Wins (334) | Draws (120) | Losses (135) – Overall win rate (57.4%)

5. Carlo Ancelotti (Real Madrid)

Ancelotti looks set to add a sixth league title to his trophy cabinet this season and his Madrid side are also in the hunt for a record-breaking 15th Champions League title.

The Italian does look comfortable in Madrid and he extended his contract at the Bernabeu until 2026 in December, but new tax accusations in Spain could unsettle him.

If Ancelotti does look for a new challenge this summer then Liverpool will be at the front of the queue.

Managerial statistics: Managed (1,327) | Wins (784) | Draws (297) | Losses (246) – Overall win rate (59%)

4. Roberto De Zerbi (Brighton)

Brighton’s fiery Italian has put himself in contention for some of Europe’s biggest jobs this season.

De Zerbi managed a sixth-placed finish during his first season in charge and the Seagulls are once again flying high in the Premier League in ninth.

His high-octane style of play is admired by fans and it only seems a matter of time until a European powerhouse snaps him up.

Managerial statistics: Managed (381) | Wins (157) | Draws (96) | Losses (128) – Overall win rate (41.2%)

3. Xabi Alonso (Bayer Leverkusen)

Alonso seemed to be the nailed-on favourite to succeed Klopp in the summer but Liverpool have suffered a major blow in their pursuit of the undisputed peoples’ choice.

As revealed by Football Insider, Alonso currently prefers a move to Bayern Munich over Liverpool in the summer.

The Leverkusen boss represented both sides as a player and Liverpool hoped their strong relationship with the Spaniard would help get a deal over the line, but it seems Alonso is more tempted by a return to Munich.

Alonso’s Leverkusen side have taken the Bundesliga by storm this season with no league defeats and a 10-point lead over Bayern in second.

Managerial statistics: Managed (169) | Wins (87) | Draws (37) | Losses (45) – Overall win rate (51.5%)

2. Julian Nagelsmann (Germany)

Jumping ahead of Alonso in the contenders’ list is Nagelsmann, who is on the wanted list of multiple clubs this summer.

The 36-year-old will have plenty of contract offers on his desk when his deal with the German national team expires after the European Championships.

It is understood that Nagelsmann is one of the top candidates for Liverpool and, sources have told Football Insider, he is expected to be interviewed by club’s US-based owners for the post.

Managerial statistics: Managed (319) | Wins (170) | Draws (80) | Losses (69) – Overall win rate (53.3%)

1. Ruben Amorim (Sporting Lisbon)

One of the hottest managerial prospects in world football – and for good reason.

At 39 years old, Amorim has made headlines in Portugal after leading Sporting to their first league title in 19 years.

Amorim’s appointment may be deemed a risk by some, but Liverpool gambled on Klopp back in 2015 after his success in Germany and it turned out to be a masterful decision.

Alongside Nagelsmann, Amorim is expected to be interviewed for the role by Liverpool chiefs as they narrow down their long list of candidates to a smaller shortlist.

Managerial statistics: Managed (231) | Wins (163) | Draws (34) | Losses (34) – Overall win rate (70.6%)

In other news, Liverpool set to match Man United as £15m summer deal agreed

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