Liverpool legend names ideal successor if Jurgen Klopp is sacked

Steve Nicol says Liverpool should appoint Brighton & Hove Albion boss Roberto de Zerbi if Jurgen Klopp is relieved of his duties at Anfield.

The German has come under scrutiny in recent weeks due to the Reds' poor form as they find themselves ninth in the Premier League, ten points behind fourth-placed Manchester United.

When asked by ESPN FC (quotes via HITC) who would be Liverpool's best option if Klopp were to lose his job, Steve Nicol named De Zerbi due to his exciting brand of attacking football.

“There’s not another Klopp. I tell you what you could do, because you are a big club, go and get De Zerbi from Brighton.

“On the face of it, you were like ‘wow, you are taking over from Potter. How are you going to get more?’ Yes (prefer De Zerbi to Tuchel or Pochettino), because he plays exciting attacking football.

“I liked Brendan Rodgers, the way he coached the team. I just didn’t like the other stuff. But the way he played the game, I liked it. And I like the way De Zerbi has Brighton playing. The fact that he has got them better from when Potter was there is incredible.”

ANFIELD WATCH VERDICT

Roberto De Zerbi arrived in the Premier League with quite the reputation, but his stock has risen further due to his exploits at Brighton so far. While he is undoubtedly a fantastic coach, there is absolutely no way Liverpool will part ways with Jurgen Klopp regardless of how the 2022-23 season pans out.

In fact, I'm willing to put my neck on the line and say Klopp will never be sacked in his managerial career - he will decide when it's time for him to go, as was the case with Mainz and Borussia Dortmund. It's been a turbulent season of change at Anfield, but the German is still the right man to take us forward.