Here is a list of five coaches that could possibly take up Jurgen Klopp’s role at Anfield

By Efosa Taiwo

Jurgen Klopp on Friday shocked the football world when he revealed that he will stand down as Liverpool manager this summer.

The Reds have had a sparkling spell of success since his arrival in 2015, and replacing the German will be no easy task.

Here are, however, five coaches that could possibly fill the upcoming vacant seat at Anfield:

Xabi Alonso

Given Liverpool’s historic heritage, employing a former Red would assist assure a smooth transition into the post-Klopp era, and Xabi Alonso may be an ideal candidate.

The Spaniard, who made 210 appearances for Liverpool between 2004 and 2009 and played a key role in the club’s historic Champions League victory in 2005, is thriving at Bayer Leverkusen.

Alonso’s present employers are competing for the Bundesliga title with the legendary Bayern Munich, and as a result, he has swiftly become one of the most sought-after managers in the world of football.

He ticks all the boxes by playing attractive and attacking football, and the allure of returning to Anfield may be too much for the 42-year-old to refuse.

Roberto De Zerbi

If the Reds want someone with Premier League experience, Brighton’s excellent Italian Roberto De Zerbi is a good possibility.

When the former Sassuolo and Shakhtar Donetsk manager arrived to the South Coast to replace Graham Potter in September 2022, nothing was known about him in England.

However, De Zerbi wasted little time fitting in, guiding the Seagulls to European qualification for the first time in their history last season, along with a thrilling journey to the FA Cup semi-finals.

Zinedine Zidane

After two trophy-laden seasons as coach of Real Madrid, Zinedine Zidane has been patiently waiting for his next chance.

The French superstar, 51, won 174 of his 263 games in command of Los Blancos, leading them to two LaLiga titles and three Champions League victories.

Zidane, a more serious character than Klopp, is hardly the traditional Liverpool management prospect, but his track record speaks for itself.

While some may be intimidated by the possibility of following such a spectacular run, the 1998 Ballon d’Or winner would definitely welcome the task.

Julian Nagelsmann

When it comes to Klopp’s next move, many believe he will take the coaching role of the German national team.

That position could become vacant soon, since current holder Julian Naglesmann, who replaced Hansi Flick in September, has won just one of his first four games in charge.

The Euro will be do-or-die for the former RB Leipzig and Bayern Munich manager, and if he fails to deliver this summer, a swift return to club football may be appealing.

It would not be surprising if Nagelsmann and Klopp ended up swapping roles, given his coaching reputation and previous links to Liverpool.

Xavi Hernandez

With the Barcelona boss hinting at a possible exit from Barcelona this summer, the management at Anfield might fancy his managerial skill as a good replacement for Klopp. 

Though has no experience of the English game, Xavi exploits as a player which has reflected in his style of management as seen with the teams he has managed might be appealing enough for the owners of Liverpool.

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