While Jurgen Klopp remains singularly focused on the five remaining games of his tenure as Liverpool manager, behind the scenes, attention is shifting to his successor.
Klopp’s illustrious nine-year reign as Reds boss is drawing to a close. Yet, amid reflections on the success and delight he has brought to the fan base, there’s a chance he could depart on a high note.
Liverpool will traverse Stanley Park on Wednesday to face Merseyside rivals Everton amidst a three-way tussle for the Premier League crown. Following Sunday’s morale-boosting 3-1 victory over Fulham, Klopp’s squad has drawn level on points with league leaders Arsenal.
Manchester City trail the top two by a single point, holding a game in hand, and remain the frontrunners to secure their fourth consecutive title. However, Liverpool remains firmly in contention, with an unwavering focus on clinching the championship, serving as an ideal parting gift for their beloved manager.
While the training pitch and changing room echo with determination to clinch the title, behind the scenes, FSG’s new CEO of Football, Michael Edwards, and Liverpool’s sporting director, Richard Hughes, are actively scouting for Jurgen Klopp’s successor.
Initially, it seemed that Ruben Amorim was the top candidate following Xabi Alonso’s decision to remain with Bayer Leverkusen as they chase a treble. However, according to a report from The Athletic, this may no longer be the case.
But might the answer lie within the Premier League?
Unai Emery has steered Aston Villa into the Champions League spots and into the semi-finals of the Europa Conference League in his inaugural full season at the helm. He assumed leadership of the club from Anfield icon Steven Gerrard in October 2022.
Emery’s track record has garnered praise, particularly from Michael Owen, given his triumphs, including three Europa League titles with Sevilla, one with Villarreal, and five major trophies with Paris Saint-Germain. Notably, one of those victories came in 2016, when Sevilla defeated Klopp’s Liverpool in the final.
The former Liverpool forward said of the ex-Arsenal manager:
“I think there are so many different ways a manager show their worth. Some managers can only work if they have got a lot of money and they are very good at selecting certain players.
“Some are brilliant on a shoe-string; if you give them money, they are not very good at spending it. Some can improve players. I think this guy certainly can, he has shown that.
“Actually it feels like he is an all-round manager. I mean, he can win trophies as well. He has got a career littered with trophies. He is into a semi-final as well of a European competition, and he is incredible in Europe.”
However, it seems that Emery is no longer available. David Ornstein of The Athletic, who also broke the news regarding Amorim yesterday, reported this morning that the Spaniard has reached an agreement on a new contract with Villa.