The search for a new boss at Liverpool is well underway after Jürgen Klopp announced he would be calling an end to his nine-year stay on Merseyside back in January. The likes of Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso and Brighton and Hove Albion boss Roberto De Zerbi have emerged as contenders for the upcoming vacancy, although a decision is yet to be made.
It is one that likely won’t be made before a new sporting director is brought in either after Jörg Schmadtke announced he would be leaving at the end of the January transfer window – shortly after Klopp revealed he would be parting ways. However, the longer Liverpool waits, the more likely it becomes that their main targets could join one of their rivals.
Bayern Munich could be among them after the reigning Bundesliga champions slipped to eight points off Alonso’s Leverkusen side following their recent 3-1 loss to Bochum. Alonso could be the subject of heavy interest from both Liverpool and Bayern – two of his former clubs from his playing days – and The Times has reported that Bayern want him to replace Thomas Tuchel.
There is speculation over an alternative to the Spaniard though in the form of a Champions League winner while another reported Liverpool target is said to be wanted by Barcelona.
Zinedine Zidane (Bayern Munich).
Bayern Munich is looking to keep former Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel at the club until the end of the season, according to Sky Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg. However, the German club is also reportedly drawing up back-up plans.
Tuchel, 50, is under an increasing amount of pressure at Bayern with the club currently sat in second place, eight points off Leverkusen at the top of the table. The arrival of Harry Kane from Tottenham Hotspur last summer meant expectations were even higher for the reigning Bundesliga champions, with the squad yet to live up to them.
Roberto De Zerbi (Barcelona)
Barcelona has identified Brighton and Hove Albion boss Roberto De Zerbi as the ‘chosen one’ to replace Xavi at the Catalan club, according to AS. The former midfielder announced he would be leaving his role at the end of the season last month with Barca currently in third place within La Liga.
De Zerbi, 44, has also been linked with a move to Liverpool but has now been made the top target by Barcelona with his representatives, Edmundo Kabchi and Edoardo Cnajr, reportedly meeting with Barcelona executives at the Camp Nou recently. President Joan Laporta and sporting director Deco have not approved the appointment as of yet though.
The meeting is said to have initially held regarding a contract extension for Ronald Araújo, who shares the same agents as the Brighton boss, which then led to De Zerbi being discussed. However, the compensation that would need to be paid for De Zerbi, who is contracted until 2026, would be the ‘main obstacle’ in any potential deal.
