While reports are suggesting that Brendan Rodgers’ job at Liverpool is not under threat, there are number of top managerial names being linked with taking over his position.
Jurgen Klopp was one of the favourites to be Anfield’s next manager in the summer, however, this has been ruled out following the German’s confirmation that he would be taking a break from the game [Daily Star].
Meanwhile, Rafael Benitez, also linked to the role, is just days away from becoming the next Real Madrid manager [The Guardian].
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One of the world’s most popular Liverpool Football Club blogs, Empire of the Kop, have drawn together a list of seven alternatives to take over from Brendan Rodgers in the Anfield dug-out after the Rafael Benitez and Jurgen Klopp news.
Take a look at what CaughtOffside thinks…
Unai Emery – Sevilla
This year’s Europa League winning manager is beginning to earn a glowing reputation, and a big move across Europe could be on the horizon. He has coached David Villa, David Silva and Juan Mata during the trio’s early career, and with Liverpool’s desire to nurture young talent, could fit in well with the direction wanted at Anfield. Sevilla’s triumph in the Europa League will see the club compete in next season’s Champions League, and it would, however, be a favourable idea to see how the Spaniard fairs in the competition next term.
Rudi Garcia – AS Roma
The French manager has done an excellent job at the Stadio Olimpico over the past two seasons, as Roma have finished back-to-back runners-up in Serie A, proving to be Juventus’ closest rivals.
With Garcia securing Champions League football once more for Giallorossi, his experience in Europe is ever increasing. However, as EOTK state, his lack of English could hinder his chances of being offered the job. Former Southampton boss and current Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino, however, has proved that a language barrier isn’t a significant problem.
Jorge Jesus – Benfica
The Portuguese manager has been at the helm of Benfica since 2009, and has not only led the Primeira Liga outfit to three league titles, but has coached some of Europe’s top stars who went on to earn themselves big-money moves across Europe, including Nemanja Matic, Angel di Maria and David Luiz. He would surely attract great names to Anfield and should now be looking to manage a club that keep their stars, rather than sell.
Andre Villas-Boas – Zenit Saint Petersburg
While the Portuguese manager’s experience in the Premier League is far from glittering; having been sacked by Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur after just two and a half seasons in England’s top flight, there is something compelling about his managerial skills. It musn’t be forgotten that AVB played a key role in Gareth Bale’s emergence at White Hart Lane in a season that the Welshman earned a move to Real Madrid.
Ronald Koeman – Southampton
Imagine the headlines if Liverpool followed up their signing of the Saints’ top players by going after their head coach. Nonetheless, his debut season at the St Mary’s Stadium, after selling the likes of Adam Lallana, Dejan Lovren and Rickie Lambert – all key in their previous campaign – has suggested that there is something special about the Dutchman.
A manager with fine experience across Europe – having managed Ajax, Benfica, PSV, Valencia, AZ and Feyenoord. Liverpool, however, are craving a coach with title success, and it will be interesting to see how Southampton act in the transfer market ahead of next season following an excellent 2014-15 campaign.
Carlo Ancelotti – out of work
No doubt the most farfetched on this list given the Italian suggested that he would take a break from the game following his Santiago Bernabeu dismissal. It would surely be a dream, nonetheless, for Reds supporters if the man who delivered La Decima to Real Madrid moved to Anfield.
Sky Italia journalist Fabrizio Ramono stated that Liverpool had offered the former Chelsea boss the job in Merseyside. While it’s unlikely he’ll join in the summer, with the 55-year-old having openly declared his love for the Reds in the past [The Sun], perhaps he could be tempted by Anfield when he returns to management.
