Surprise name emerges in Liverpool manager shortlist

In the latest developments surrounding who would be the next Liverpool manager post Jurgen Klopp, the club has reportedly narrowed down their managerial shortlist to four potential candidates.

This decision comes after Xabi Alonso, once considered a top contender for the role, confirmed his commitment to Bayer Leverkusen.

Alonso, the former Liverpool midfielder, had been speculated as a leading candidate to take over the managerial reins at Anfield following Klopp’s departure.

However, after discussions with his current club, Alonso declared his intention to remain with Bayer Leverkusen for the upcoming season, citing a desire to continue his work with the club and aid player development.

According to sources cited by The Times, Liverpool’s revised shortlist includes Brighton’s Roberto De Zerbi, Franck Haise from Lens, Ruben Amorim of Sporting Lisbon, and an intriguing addition, Benfica’s Roger Schmidt.

Roger Schmidt, the current manager of Benfica, has garnered attention for his successful tenure in Portugal’s Primeira Liga, and could be an out of the box option for the Liverpool manager position.

Under his guidance, Benfica has emerged as a formidable force in domestic competitions, boasting an impressive record of 20 wins and only two losses in 26 league games.

The German manager’s coaching pedigree extends beyond Portugal, having previously achieved success with Dutch outfit PSV, where he secured two trophies in two seasons. Schmidt’s managerial journey also includes a stint in China with Beijing Guoan, where he clinched the Chinese FA Cup in 2018.

Prior to his tenure at Benfica, Schmidt faced a challenging spell with Bayer Leverkusen, where he achieved notable third and fourth-place finishes in the Bundesliga, securing Champions League qualifications for the club.

Despite a rocky conclusion to his time at Leverkusen, Schmidt’s ability to maintain competitive performances amidst player departures earned him recognition in managerial circles.

Schmidt’s tactical approach, often likened to Klopp’s style, has drawn interest from clubs seeking a seamless transition in managerial philosophy.

Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has endorsed Schmidt as a potential candidate for the manager role, highlighting his affinity with the Red Bull coaching principles.