Liverpool's next manager: Second top candidate now 'unlikely' to take over

A second top candidate to be the next Liverpool manager is ‘unlikely’ to get the job. This comes after Xabi Alonso ruled himself out.

Xabi Alonso ruled himself out of the Liverpool job on Friday, announcing his intention to remain with Bayer Leverkusen for at least another season. It means the Reds' top candidate - and most people's favourite for the job - is now out of the running.

A selection of strong candidates remains, though. Rúben Amorim is perhaps the new favourite, with Brighton's Roberto De Zerbi not far behind.

Another name linked with the job, and who is definitely available this summer, is Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann. His contract with the national side ends after Euro 2024 and he's made no secret of the fact that he's open to offers.

Nagelsmann has been considered by Liverpool, too, but the Telegraph now reports that he is 'unlikely' to get the job. Unfortunately, no extra information is given beyond him not being deemed a favourite to be the next Liverpool manager.

Julian Nagelsmann unlikely to get Liverpool job

Nagelsmann is unquestionably one of the strongest available candidates. His record pre-Bayern Munich was fantastic, particularly for a manager his age. Even his Bayern spell has improved in hindsight as Thomas Tuchel failed to match him.

As for why he's not one of the top candidates, it could be because of the Euros. Nagelsmann can't take over for a little while, with most of the summer gone by the time he's available.

But if Liverpool felt he was the top candidate, then you'd sacrifice that. Instead, it suggests that there are other options that the Reds prefer - or that Nagelsmann himself doesn't fancy a move to Anfield.

Either way, both Amorim and De Zerbi now look more likely to take over at Liverpool this summer.