The Race to Replace Klopp at Liverpool?

8th May 2024

With fans with Liverpool tickets ready for the inevitable – the leaving of their beloved manager, Jurgen Klopp, they are equally invested in seeing who will be the next in line to manage Anfield.

With less than a few months to go before the start of the new season, the FSG group and the Liverpool management are still to confirm their new signing for manager.

In the meantime, there are several rumors about Liverpool’s key manager options. Earlier, Xabi Alonso, the former Liverpool and Real Madrid star, took FC Leverkusen to their first-ever league title. Still, the speculation around him is over, as he signed with his winning club for another two years.

A legendary player, Alonso for Liverpool, would have been a fairytale come true for many Liverpool fans, but it will not be how it ends, at least for now.

Jose Mourinho is on the Shortlist

Odds of Jose Mourinho becoming the next Liverpool manager have been reduced by half after his shock appearance during their 3-1 victory over Fulham on Sunday.

The Portuguese manager, who has been out of work since Roma sacked him in January, was in attendance at Craven Cottage as Liverpool returned to winning in the Premier League.

Liverpool are looking for a new manager after Jurgen Klopp’s departure at the end of the season.

Mourinho has managed many of Liverpool’s rivals in the top flight, including two stints at Chelsea, Manchester United, and Tottenham. The last two jobs in the Premier League could have gone better for the ‘chosen one’ where he was sacked from the job at both Manchester United and Tottenham.

But the Portuguese has ample accolades and multiple trophies under his name in England, and it’s hard to look beyond this.

However, the 39-year-old is also reportedly wanted by West Ham as a potential replacement for David Moyes.

Portuguese reports suggested he had agreed with Liverpool, but those close to the club played this down and were eager to state he was just one name on a shortlist.

New Liverpool CEO Michael Edwards and sporting director Richard Hughes were said to be ready to go ‘brave over popular’ after fan-favorite Xabi Alonso ruled himself out of the running.

Mourinho would be a brave option, given his history against Liverpool. Still, his appearance at Craven Cottage – despite living in London – got Reds fans discussing the possibility of him becoming a shock replacement for Klopp.

One Liverpool fan wrote on X (fka Twitter): ‘Bro thinks he will take over Klopp.’

Another added in response: ‘We can do much worse than Mou… If our favorites are not available now, maybe a “short-term” solution like Mourinho could fill the gap until the “right” manager is free and willing to come…’

A third wrote: ‘He’s the special one, welcome to Liverpool.’

However, only some were impressed by the concept of Mourinho stepping up to the plate at Anfield.

One wrote,’ I ain’t hearing anyone out. His defensive approach may have worked a decade ago, but right now, it just ain’t it. We’ll become a laughing stock if he comes here.’

Mourinho previously told Moto GP’s Portuguese Grand Prix reporters that he was looking for work this summer.

The 61-year-old had previously been a strong contender to replace Gerard Houllier in 2004 before he eventually joined Chelsea, with the Reds opting for Rafael Benitez.

Behind Amorim in Paddy Power’s odds, the other top-five favorites to become the next Liverpool manager at the time of writing include Arne Slot, Roberto De Zerbi, Gary O’Neil, and Thomas Tuchel.

The Danish coach has been a resounding success at the Gtech Community Stadium. He joined the Bees in 2018, led them to promotion from the Championship, and has kept them in the Premier League for three seasons.

Brentford’s recruitment under Frank has been key to them keeping their Premier League status, with the manager bringing in classy players such as Ivan Toney, Bryan Mbeumo, David Raya, Christian Eriksen, Yoanne Wissa and many others for cut-price fees.

Liverpool turns attention to Brentford boss Thomas Frank

Insider sources from Liverpool state that Frank has plenty of admirers at Liverpool and that they will intensify their pursuit of him if they miss out on Amorim.

As mentioned, West Ham has now opened concrete talks with the Sporting manager, their ‘top target’ to replace Moyes.

Ornstein does note in his report, however, that the Hammers’ position in the race for Amorim’s signature is’ unclear’ at this stage.

Frank is happy at Brentford for now and remains focused on securing the club’s Premier League status, which is almost inevitable at this stage.

However, it is understood that if a top club like Liverpool comes calling, the coach may need help to turn down the opportunity.

Frank is under contract with the Bees until 2027, however, meaning the Merseyside giants will have to pay a significant compensation fee to bring him in—the value of which has yet to be revealed.

With that in mind, Frank is certainly a manager with Liverpool tickets that Liverpool fans should keep a close eye on over the next couple of months.

They will continue to work on a deal for Amorim, but they could miss out with West Ham pushing hard.

Henderson at Liverpool Training Facility?

Jordan Henderson returned to Liverpool’s AXA Training Centre recently, with the captain spotted on Merseyside despite joining Ajax in January.

It kept fans with Liverpool tickets wondering what was unfolding.

Henderson is nearing the end of his first campaign since leaving Liverpool in a turbulent time for the long-serving former captain.

An ill-judged move to Saudi Arabian club Al-Ettifaq was cut short in January, with the midfielder then joining Ajax on a free transfer after terminating his contract early.

His start at Ajax has been marred by awful form. The club has only one win in nine appearances, and it sits fifth in the Eredivisie and 33 points off top.

Henderson missed their worst result of the season, though, as an injury kept him out of last month’s 6-0 loss to Feyenoord.

The 33-year-old has undergone rehabilitation away from Amsterdam and has even taken in work back at Liverpool’s AXA Training Centre.