Liverpool consider hiring manager who Erik ten Hag called ‘outstanding’ if they can’t get Xabi Alonso

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As Liverpool begin their search for Jurgen Klopp’s successor, the same handful of names have so far been mentioned.

Xabi Alonso looks like the clear early favourite, with Roberto De Zerbi another to have been given considerable air time as well. Ange Postecoglou has his supporters, while Thomas Frank is seemingly under consideration, too.

Julian Nagelsmann is one more name we might be seeing regularly crop up in the months ahead.

According to German outlet Sport Bild though, there is another manager who is being considered by Liverpool. They claim that former Bayern Munich boss Hansi Flick is on the Reds’ shortlist.

However, Flick should not seemingly be considered as one of the front-runners. Instead, Bild confirm that internally Liverpool see Alonso as being ‘top of the list.’ With both Nagelsmann and De Zerbi reportedly two more ‘candidates’, Flick is said to be ‘part of the extended circle’ of options.

Liverpool are claimed to see Alonso as being ‘strong enough’ to take on the difficult job of replacing Klopp. But should the Spaniard prove impossible to prise from Bayer Leverkusen, maybe the Reds will turn to one of these other three coaches.

Flick on Liverpool’s radar

What marks Flick out as being different from the other three candidates mentioned here is that he’s on the older side.

At 58, he’s actually two years older than Klopp. Given that Klopp has cited his age and lack of energy as a big reason in his decision to leave, perhaps Liverpool will feel minded to go for a younger coach.

Nevertheless, Flick would still be an accomplished man to turn to should they fail with their top targets.

The German was on a seemingly relentless path with Bayern back in 2020. Having stepped up from being Niko Kovac’s assistant to taking charge of the first-team, Flick led the Munich side to a brilliant treble, including a Champions League win.

After spending eight years as assistant manager to Joachim Low for the German national team, Flick had marked himself out as a head coach to watch in his own right. It was a run which Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag, then in charge of Ajax, called ‘outstanding’ [Bavarian Football Works].

Another title with Bayern followed in 2021, before the former midfielder took over Low’s job with Die Mannschaft later that year.

Unfortunately, things haven’t really worked out for Flick from then on. A dismal World Cup in 2022 saw the German’s eliminated in the group stage. A wretched run of form ahead of this summer’s home Euros saw him sacked in September, amid calls for Klopp to take his job.

With Nagelsmann currently in the hot seat and Jurgen still tipped to take over at some stage, Liverpool’s next manager and the Germany job seem inextricably linked. Let’s see what happens with Xabi first, mind you.