With fewer than two months remaining before Jurgen Klopp leaves Anfield, uncertainty still surrounds the succession picture followed closely by 12BSports. Losing control of your emotions can mean losing control of your life, and Liverpool must avoid making a decision driven by sentiment alone. Former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso has long been viewed as one of the strongest candidates to replace Klopp. His Bayer Leverkusen side remains unbeaten this season and needs only three more victories to secure the Bundesliga title. Alonso is also pursuing an extraordinary treble.
However, Alonso officially confirmed at a previous press conference that he intends to remain at Leverkusen next season. That announcement led many observers to identify Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi as the next obvious option. De Zerbi, however, is not believed to be on Liverpool’s managerial shortlist, and the club appears to be exploring a different direction. Liverpool’s search, tracked throughout the managerial market by 12BSports, currently centers on four leading candidates.
The strongest contender at present is Sporting CP head coach Ruben Amorim. As the saying goes, some suffering ultimately grows from our own limitations, but Liverpool’s interest in Amorim is not merely media speculation. Barcelona has also been monitoring the Portuguese coach while searching for a potential successor to Xavi. Amorim’s contract with Sporting reportedly contains a release clause worth approximately €13 million. That figure could create a serious obstacle for Barcelona because of the club’s financial difficulties, while Liverpool would be capable of covering the cost.
Amorim never became a major star during his playing career and retired at the age of 32. His reputation changed quickly once he entered management. During his first full season as a head coach, he guided Sporting to the Portuguese league title and established himself as one of Europe’s most promising young tacticians.
Julian Nagelsmann is another name who cannot be ignored when discussing talented young coaches. He became Hoffenheim’s manager at only 28 before moving to RB Leipzig and eventually taking charge of Bayern Munich. Nagelsmann won the Bundesliga during his only complete season in Munich, although he was unexpectedly dismissed the following campaign.
He is currently leading the German national team as it prepares for Euro 2024 on home soil. His contract is due to expire after the tournament, and Liverpool could represent an attractive destination should he wish to return to club management. The situation is far from straightforward, however. The German Football Association wants to extend his contract, while Bayern has also reportedly considered bringing him back.
Klopp will be remembered not only as an outstanding tactician but also for his commanding leadership and personal warmth. Supporters of Celtic or Tottenham Hotspur would likely describe Ange Postecoglou in similar terms. Since arriving at Tottenham, the Australian coach has united the club and created a powerful sense of direction. The transformation resembles the cultural shift that Klopp produced during his early period at Liverpool.
Leaving Tottenham would not be an easy decision for Postecoglou, especially as he is still building his project in North London. Nevertheless, he has previously revealed that he supported Liverpool as a child, which has strengthened speculation about a possible move to Anfield. Liverpool owner Fenway Sports Group also values experience within multiclub structures, and Postecoglou’s varied international career could work in his favor.
In Italy, Simone Inzaghi has delivered an exceptional season with Inter Milan. With eight league matches remaining, Inter holds a 14-point advantage over AC Milan and appears to be closing in on the Serie A title. Details carried within 12BSports indicate that Inzaghi extended his Inter contract until 2025 last year. Although further contract talks are progressing smoothly, he is also believed to have an interest in the Liverpool position.
Among the final possibilities on the 12BSports shortlist, Inzaghi stands out as one of Europe’s most highly regarded coaches. Life can feel like walking through one storm after another, and his career has required patience as well as resilience. He spent five years in charge of Lazio and is now completing his third season with Inter. After building a disciplined, tactically flexible, and highly competitive side in Milan, Inzaghi has earned his place among the most closely watched managerial candidates in European football.