Taking over the Liverpool job from Jurgen Klopp has looked like a much greater task over the past week.
Although replacing Klopp was always going to be a big ask for any new manager, it had at least looked as though the Reds were in good shape on the pitch.
That notion has been challenged over the past week. Three damaging results have led to question marks over a number of Liverpool’s first-team squad. There is big work to do after all.
As a result, the Reds hierarchy absolutely have to make sure they get this decision right. There can be no rushing in. As good as someone like Ruben Amorim may sound, all options should be explored before making the final call.
While it does appear that others are being considered, Amorim still looks like the front-runner for now. According to journalist David Ornstein though, Liverpool could be about to do something outside of the box.
David Ornstein says Liverpool could make ‘brave’ call
Liverpool often like to keep people guessing where there recruitment is concerned. It’s why they have one of the best records in the Premier League. No stone is left unturned, whether it’s looking for a player or indeed staff.
Consequently, most Reds supporters will be happy to leave the decision making here to the likes of Richard Hughes and Michael Edwards. They should be trusted to make the right call. And, speaking to NBC Sports, Ornstein says that call could be to look at less popular names to replace Klopp.
“Now, Xabi Alonso’s decision to stay at Bayer Leverkusen provides some clarity for Liverpool, they were able to move on,” explained the reporter. “I’ve said before that Roberto De Zerbi is not one who I think will be getting this job. I don’t think he is the profile they are looking for. Ruben Amorim has been heavily linked with the role but it’s my understanding that despite being a candidate he’s not a shoo-in for the job, he’s not necessarily the top option. We’ll have to see how that plays out.
“Liverpool are looking at a number of options, no doubt,” Ornstein added. “They are finalising their work on them and they will not be afraid to be brave and think outside of the obvious candidates or the popular names.
“They won’t be looking for applause, they’ll be looking to make the right decision for Liverpool Football Club. Based on the style of play – high tempo, energy, an exciting brand of football. They’ll be looking for someone to connect with supporters and really energise them as well, somebody who has as good track record on injuries and player availability and somebody who also will make sure players will improve, lots of which has been done by Jurgen Klopp.
“This is a massive moment in the their history and they’ll be paying attention to that.”
Who else could Liverpool decide to hire
For now, it would still be a surprise if Amorim isn’t right in that final conversation for who comes in this summer. The 39-year-old is seemingly already in talks with Liverpool.
However, there have been some other names floating around ever since Klopp announced his decision to leave.
Julian Nagelsmann is one. The 36-year-old apparently scored highly on internal data searches by Liverpool and will be available this summer. Bologna’s Thiago Motta is another to have been mentioned, although links have died down of late.
Meanwhile, if they wanted to go really outside of the box, maybe the Reds could look at someone like Sebastian Hoeness of Stuttgart. There are options out there, and Liverpool will no doubt keep us guessing until the very end.