Liverpool next manager: Jurgen Klopp gives verdict on touted successor Roberto De Zerbi

Jurgen Klopp has given his verdict on Roberto De Zerbi, who has been heavily touted as his successor in the Liverpool dugout.

Liverpool had looked set to bring in Bayer Leverkusen boss at the end of the season, with the Spaniard their top priority to replace Klopp at Anfield.

But after the Spaniard confirmed on Friday that he would remain at the BayArena beyond this summer, building on what looks certain to be a first ever Bundesliga title for Leverkusen, sights have been forced to switch to alternatives for the Liverpool hierarchy.

De Zerbi is said to be one of those alternatives, with the Brighton manager having impressed since his arrival at the club during the 2022/23 season.

And speaking in his programme notes ahead of Sunday's clash with the Seagulls, Klopp has given a glowing endorsement on the Argentinian.

He said: "Under Roberto De Zerbi, Brighton know how to give us a proper test and I could not respect this more. I have said before that if you love football, you have to admire the football that Brighton play under De Zerbi and I stand by every word."

Sunday's outing could prove an audition for De Zerbi, with Liverpool having found much trouble against his Brighton side in recent times.

The Reds are winless in four against the south coast outfit, a streak they will look to end at Anfield as they seek to kick off their season run-in with a bang.