Jurgen Klopp, despite still being favourite with the bookies to be our next permanent manager, looks unlikely to take over this summer – having announced his preference to take a sabbatical (via ITV).
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We think Brendan Rodgers is going to keep his job as a result – but here’s seven alternatives for those who want to see the Northern Irishman out – with Carlo Ancelotti similarly expected to take some time from the game (via Sky Sports), and Rafa Benitez also not included as he’s joining Real Madrid (via ESPN).
Not all of these have been linked – but we think they should be considered should Rodgers get the sack.
Rudi Garcia – AS Roma
Garcia has done well in Italy for the past two seasons, establishing Roma as the closest challengers to all-dominating Juventus. He prides himself on slick passing football, and proved his title credentials with Lille in 2010,11, securing the French double. He boasts a 56.04 win percentage in Italy, but his lack of English could be an issue early on.
Frank de Boer – Ajax
It’s probably time the legendary Dutchman moved to pastures new, we reckon. He won four consecutive Dutch titles with Ajax after taking over in 2010, but lost the crown this season just gone to PSV. As his side are forced to sell their best players, there really isn’t much further he can take them. It’s about time de Boer was given a major European job, in truth. Whether it’ll be with us or not is another matter entirely. He previously spoke up his chances of eventually joining us back in 2014 (via BBC Sport), however.
“Liverpool especially. Tottenham called my manager with the possibility after sacking Andre Villas – but I said, ‘no, right now it’s not the right moment’,” he said.
“Those two clubs are clubs that I think in the future I could be a manager of. I think the history of the clubs and what you can do with the team is my cup of tea.”
Jorge Jesus – Benfica
The well respected Portuguese has three titles to his name with Benfica, most notably this season, where his side overcame bitter rivals FC Porto again. Jesus is an expert at developing and maximising young starlets. Under his guidance, Nemanja Matic, Angel di Maria, David Luiz, Oscar Cardoza, Luisao and Nicolas Gaitan have thrived and in the case of some, have moved on to bigger and better things. Like most of the names on this list – he plays proper football – which should be an automatic characteristic of any potential new boss.
Pako Ayesteran – Maccabi
Remember Pako…? The bald Spaniard worked successfully as Rafa Benitez’s no.2 for Liverpool, and was always praised for his role on the training ground and in the dressing room. He’s only been a full-time boss for one year – taking the reigns at Maccabi last summer – but he’s taken Israeli football by storm… His side won a domestic treble, the first in history in Israel. Should a romantic return be on the cards?
Unai Emery – Sevilla
Emery’s pedigree is growing by the season. The Spaniard won his second consecutive Europa League this term with Sevilla – qualifying for next term’s Champions League as a result. He nurtures talent, mentoring young David Silva, young David Villa and young Juan Mata while at Valencia previously.
Andre Villas-Boas – Zenit st. Petersburg
The young and talented Portuguese did his best to blot his copy book during his time in England, failing at both Spurs and Chelsea, but everywhere else, he’s been very, very impressive. AVB won the Portuguese league and the Europa League with FC Porto, and secured the Russian title this season with latest club Zenit. There’s clearly a very good manager in there somewhere, and at 37-years-old, he’ll prove it in a major league one day.
Ronald Koeman – Southampton
Of course, it could drive Liverpool fans crazy if we head to Southampton for our next manager as well as all our new signings, but the Dutchman did fantastically during his debut term in England. Koeman had to deal with his best players being sold (three to us), but replaced them well, and finished seventh, building a strong defensive base and playing attractive football to boot. Really though, we probably need a manager with a proven record of winning titles consistently – although there are not too many of them about.
