Potential Jurgen Klopp Liverpool successor hit with EXTRAORDINARY ban

Arne Slot eventually emerged as top dog when Liverpool were considering a successor to Jurgen Klopp. However, the Dutchman was not the only coach under consideration by decision-makers at Fenway Sports Group.

It’s known that current Manchester United coach Ruben Amorim was of interest to FSG but Liverpool pulled out of the race to sign him when it became clear he wouldn’t alter his preferred 3-4-3 system.

Liverpool Transfer News: Nunez replacement FOUND as star likely to LEAVE

Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso was also well-liked but made it clear early on in the process that he would be sticking with B04 long-term having led them to the Bundesliga title.

Anfield Watch also brought you the exclusive news that Paulo Fonseca was approached by FSG to talk about succeeding Klopp. The 52-year-old was in charge of Lille at the time and was one of the earliest contenders to make the Reds’ post-Klopp shortlist.

READ MORE: £30m star is already making arrangements to JOIN Liverpool

He was admired for bringing on a number of young players while also managing to keep Les Dogues in and around the Champions League places.

The likes of Angel Gomes and Jonathan David thrived under his management - two players who ended up being linked with Liverpool too.

Fonseca issued nine-month ban

The Portuguese left Lille by “mutual consent” last summer before embarking on a short, unhappy spell at AC Millan which ended just after Christmas.

He was quickly back into work, returning to Ligue 1 with Lyon, where he has won three of his five league matches so far.

However, Fonseca will NOT be on the bench for Lyon again until November having been hit with an extraordinary suspension by the French football league's (LFP) disciplinary committee.

READ MORE: PSG director OUTRAGED after VAR controversy

The ban stems from an incident which took place last weekend during a league game against Brest.

Fonseca has been suspended for nine months for angrily confronting referee Benoit Millot in injury time while the official was making a late VAR check for a penalty against Lyon.

The coach appeared to butt Millot’s head, with the referee later accusing him of “physical intimidation” in a statement to L’Equipe. He will not be allowed to coach Lyon from the bench until November 30 and is banned from the dressing room until September 15.

Fonseca is still eligible to coach in the Europa League quarter-final clash with FCSB of Romania as the ban applies only to domestic competition.

It could have all been so different for Fonseca had he been the man to replace Klopp at Anfield. However, the Reds will have no regrets as Slot warms up for a Premier League title win as well as a potential Champions League quarter-final appearance.

Read More: How many goals and assists does Mo Salah need to break the all-time Premier League record?