No conversation about a post-Jurgen Klopp Liverpool is complete without at least a passing mention of Xabi Alonso.
But the Bayer Leverkusen boss is not the only name on Liverpool’s radar as the Premier League giants look to do the almost-impossible and find a man capable of continuing Klopp’s remarkable legacy at Anfield.
HITC Football understands that there is also interest on the red side of Merseyside in Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann – his short-term contract running out after Euro 2024 – and Brighton and Hove Albion tactician Roberto de Zerbi.
But watch out for another rising talent of the managerial world. One who has been on the edge of discussions surrounding some of Europe’s top jobs in recent times, and is now threatening to go from ‘hipster’s favourite’ to more of a mainstream choice.
Liverpool like Sporting Lisbon boss Ruben Amorim
“Ruben (Amorim) is a coach with a lot of quality. One of the best in Portugal,” Fulham enforcer Joao Palhinha tells O Jogo.
And he should know. Palhinha was part of Amorim’s squad in 2020/21, the 39-year-old guiding Sporting Lisbon to the Primeira Liga title for the first time since the days when a teenage Cristiano Ronaldo was strutting his stuff in green and white.
Now a point clear of Lisbon neighbours Benfica at the top of the table, Amorim – if he does depart in the summer – could leave a Viktor Gyokeres-inspired Sporting side with two league titles in the space of three years.
“He has done an excellent job since Braga,” adds the £55 million-rated Palhinha, who followed Amorim from Braga to Sporting in 2020. “He has in-depth knowledge of the game and has a close relationship with the players.
“The way he is growing, he will not be in Portugal for much longer. He dreams and aspires to win another title with Sporting, and then the future will be in his hands.
“(Is Amorim) capable of coaching Liverpool? Yes, of course, although the pressure is different. When you coach a big Portuguese club, you have pressure from the fans and the size of the club itself, which forces you to win.
“When you coach Liverpool, you have pressure from the fans, the club, and the whole world. The way it is growing, I think it will be a matter of time (before Amorim is handed a very big job).”
Portuguese league champion in 2021
HITC Football reported a month ago this week that Liverpool were ‘quietly confident’ Anfield icon Xabi Alonso could be lured back across the Channel. In the last few weeks, however, the needle has shifted towards the Spaniard staying put at runaway Bundesliga leaders Bayer Leverkusen for the time being, potentially forcing Liverpool to consider a number of potential alternatives.
Such as Amorim, for one.