Liverpool are reassessing their search for a new manager after being turned down by Xabi Alonso.
In truth, it seems highly likely that Liverpool have known for a little while now that Alonso would not be joining them. The Reds should be well prepared.
Still, the press seemingly were not. Up until last week, there were still reports that Liverpool would ‘fight until the end’ for Xabi.
Alongside the supposed negotiations with Alonso, the Reds have also seemingly been evaluating two other leading candidates – Ruben Amorim and Roberto De Zerbi. As of now, it seems likely that Amorim is the main contender. But De Zerbi’s name just isn’t going away.
According to TalkSPORT pundit Simon Jordan though, Liverpool should heed his advice and steer clear of hiring the Brighton manager.
Simon Jordan slams Roberto De Zerbi
In truth, we’re no fans of De Zerbi. Although he’s far more experienced than the likes of Alonso, he has not done especially well in his first full season at Brighton.
In our opinion, this disappointing campaign should be enough to rule him out of an immediate jump to Liverpool. He isn’t of the level required.
That isn’t the reason Jordan suggests the Reds stay away from the Italian, though. Instead, the former Crystal Palace chairman thinks that De Zerbi simply isn’t the right character to manage Liverpool.
“I think he’s tricky customer,” claims Jordan. “I watch him and I smell a whiff of [Antonio] Conte. That sort of attitude, that sort of disposition.
“Okay, some would say ‘well Conte’s a winner’, yeah, he’s also a bugger to deal with as well, he’s a challenge. He’s not an easy manager to work with and that’s why he never stays in jobs for very long,” he added.”
“If you think you’re going to build a football club like Liverpool around a difficult character, you’re not. The reason Klopp gets it and the fans love him is because he gets it and that’s why he’s been there nine years.”
Who else are Liverpool looking at
For now, it does seem that Amorim is the man to keep the closest eye on. De Zerbi is also reportedly a target for the other team Alonso has turned down – Bayern Munich.
Perhaps it would be wise for the Reds to allow Bayern a free run at the Brighton coach while nailing down the talented Amorim.
In the event that it ends up being a third party, it would seem more than likely to be Julian Nagelsmann. The Germany head coach has been named as someone who ‘scores high’ on Liverpool’s recruitment parameters.
Beyond that, maybe Liverpool will still surprise everyone with a complete wildcard. They’ve done that plenty of times before in the transfer market. In that case, we’d love to see someone like Thiago Motta come into the frame.
On De Zerbi though, we’re with Jordan. He isn’t Liverpool material.
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