Liverpool are persevering with to look for the proper candidate to change Jurgen Klopp as manager.
The Reds are currently locked in one of the most intense Premier League title battles of latest years. In the meantime, they want to make positive they make the right appointment to continue that shape into next season.
That isn’t going to be an convenient task. Klopp has been the most successful Liverpool manager of the modern era and is an all-encompassing figure at the club. No marvel the Reds are reportedly working from a five-man shortlist. They need to assess as many alternatives as they can.
Ultimately, it’s not possible for everybody to not be a step down from Jurgen. However, what the new man can do is work from the blueprint that has made the German such a hit at Anfield.
For the first time publicly, we’ve heard from one of Liverpool’s squad on what features exactly they suppose the new man ought to possess. And from the captain, Virgil van Dijk, no less.
As the skipper at Liverpool, Van Dijk’s voice includes gorgeous weight. Even earlier than he used to be given the armband in the summer, the Dutchman used to be an influential determine at the club.
So, when he spoke to The Rest Is Football podcast today, Liverpool supporters will have been placing on each word.
With the hunt for the right substitute for the boss well underway, the 32-year-old’s phrases are especially interesting.
“It’s a exceptional thing, from what I’ve seen, to be a manger of Liverpool Football Club,” says Van Dijk. “You need extra than just being a top coach, you want to recognize the city, the culture, the history of the club and live and breath being on pinnacle of Liverpool Football Club.
“That’s something I truely discovered over the years that’s without a doubt important to have and it’s not an convenient attribute to have. Obviously, there’s only so many that ought to do that at a club like Liverpool.”
Who is nevertheless in the running for Liverpool
Whether Van Dijk will nevertheless be round to play below the new manager stays a slightly apprehensive issue for Liverpool fans. There have been rumblings that the captain could seem to be to leave after Klopp.
However, if he does stick round – and with a bit of luck he will – it’s turning into clearer who Van Dijk may want to be enjoying under.
Ruben Amorim appears like the cutting-edge favourite, with Liverpool reportedly main Barcelona in that race. Roberto De Zerbi continues to be referred to too, despite some suggestions that he’s not being critically considered.
Beyond those two, the trio of Thiago Motta, Julian Nagelsmann and Simone Inzaghi show up to be on the shortlist, too. Do any of these managers maintain the characteristics Van Dijk demands? Only time will tell.

