Obviously yesterday was horrible but to be honest I'm strangely optimistic about it all. First of all. I think you have to just go forward with the feeling that it's not going to be the same, but Liverpool is a funny club. A lot of people make joking comparisons to the next man being the new Paisley, surely that level of success isn't achieved but success in general? I can see it, because the next manager doesn't have to be that once in a lifetime man, he will be taking over a side with world class players, a squad of players amongst the best in their respective positions in the best league in the world, and some brilliant young talents to work with. Anyway, considered a few names so if anyone from FSG is lurking and need an idea on where to start just take a look at these
Alonso - For me the #1 choice. The football is looking good and effective, what he's done there has been great, they were about 16th when he took over albeit early in the season, a little over 18 months later and they're seriously challenging for all three trophies. Knows the club (wahey!) but more importantly loves it and knows what it's like living here. He'll probably go on to manage some of Europe's biggest clubs whether he takes over Liverpool now or not. I think he can really make something with what is left behind and with his own players coming in. The fans would mostly love it too, keep that good feeling going.
De Zerbi - Wouldn't be among the top three or four names for me even though he's done well with Brighton. Completely different set up but I don't think he's anywhere near ready for the job until he's done something big with them or elsewhere. The football fluctuates from brilliant to boring but I suppose it can be like that with most managers. He has improved Brighton after the good job Potter did but I think his managerial calling/level is a side below Liverpool's stature.
Nagelsmann - For me a big no no. I've always thought he was completely overrated. When he's managed against us with Hoffenheim and Leipzig (no shame in losing to a great Liverpool side) but it was tactically really inept, again, not that those games should have much say in things. I think he joined Bayern too soon, and you could sense a bit of desperation that he wanted some trophies to put behind his name (also not a bad thing!), but to me the move at that stage of his career with a Bayern side that was already so dominant domestically, but sort of winding down as evidenced further now felt like the wrong one. Maybe one day, but he feels like one of those coaches who'll always get big jobs and not deserve quite a few of them. Just not the character to take over Klopp.
Scott Parker - Always found him to be a rather shrewd tactician, and someone who stands on the touchline with real authority. Again, his sample size as a manager isn't huge but there's a lot of potential and he's always been brave in his methods. When I saw him in that cardigan I felt he'd go on to do big things. It might not happen now, but I could see it down the line. He may also be key in helping us get that Harrison Reed deal across the line.
Amorim - Done brilliantly with Sporting, quite similar to Alonso in the fact he turned their fortunes around instantly and won them a first league title in years, and they're top again this season. He's had a bit more domestic success too in the Portuguese cups, and I think that league is quite underrated in general. Maybe not loads of European experience, which to be honest I'd like to see. I think he gets good attacking football played though and his 70 odd percent win ratio is very impressive given Sporting are up against Benfica and Porto.
Emery - Great European experience. Four Europa League wins and a Champions League semi with Villarreal. Underwhelmed with PSG and the Arsenal project ended poorly, though he'd have won them more than Arteta ever will. Doing a great job with Villa and will possibly even win them a European trophy, though you could argue he might have found his right level there. I think he's the type who could make something out of a Liverpool team with good quality, but feel if it started going wrong people would be on his case citing former instances of failure. Don't see it but there's far worse choices.
Flick - Not seen his name mentioned much but he's without a club. Done very well with Bayern but truth be told I wouldn't look in to it too much. He obviously knew the set up well there and got them playing at a level the previous manager couldn't get them at, but most good managers will have Bayern challenging on all fronts. Fair play for him for doing so but it's a far easier club to manage at. He'll probably go back there a couple of times in the future as Jupp Heynckes has. I'd say not a top five choice but I can see him being considered quite strongly.
Those are probably some of the big names I can see making some final shortlist. Could be completely wrong and of course there's others. My actual feeling on what's going to happen is Madrid will sack Ancelotti (I know he's just signed a new deal) and get Xabi. I'd be disappointed but if one day you wish to see him manage LFC I wouldn't mind, in an ideal world he'd have managed Madrid while Klopp was still here and we'd get him down the line with a bit more experience. Truth be told I'd rather not wait, if he can make something out of this side now I say go for it. If Madrid come for him down the line it means he's succeeded and that's all I'm looking for, it doesn't need to last a decade. Who else is there ... Ancelotti himself? Don't see it but he likes taking over sides where he knows he can win. Probably wouldn't entertain the likes of Conte, and I can't imagine it'll be anyone from South America though the fella at Palmeiras has done great. As I say, sad times but I'm choosing to believe the next appointment could be exciting. I still feel as though Alonso is the right man to get people really excited about the future though. Anyone else could end up a bit underwhelming.
