Liverpool next manager: The contenders to replace Klopp - ranked

With Michael Edwards having returned to Liverpool and Richard Hughes having taken over as sporting director, supporters are feeling slightly more optimistic about a future without Jurgen Klopp as manager.

The German will leave Liverpool at the end of the season, with the Reds currently searching for someone capable of succeeding the iconic 56-year-old.

Klopp cited his diminishing energy levels as a reason for his decision and will step aside after more than eight-and-a-half years on Merseyside, having won all of the most prestigious prizes on offer — with more trophies potentially on their way this season.

While there are more than a few names linked with the hot seat, Liverpool fans may not know the identity of Klopp's replacement until the end of the current campaign.

READ MORE: Top journalist reveals WHY Xabi Alonso is turning down Liverpool chance

As the anxious wait goes on and Liverpool try to bid Klopp a dream farewell, here we introduce our brand new power rankings of all the runners and riders in contention to be Liverpool's next manager, which we'll update based on performance and strength of the links to the job.

10. Franck Haise

A rogue shout from some quarters, 52-year-old Haise has risen to prominence in France for taking Lens from obscurity to becoming one of the best teams in the country not called Paris Saint-Germain.

French journalist Jonathan Johnson drew comparisons with Haise's work at Lens and Klopp's origin story at Dortmund, while claiming the Reds have been watching him for several years.

A tactically fluid coach who gets the best out of his players, Haise was named Ligue 1 manager of the year last season for taking Lens to second place.

The true hipster's choice, it seems an incredibly unlikely appointment at this stage.

9. Michel

There haven't been any credible links between Girona boss Michel and the Liverpool job, but he is an exciting young manager that Liverpool will have likely taken a close look at.

The 48-year-old oversaw a sensational start to the season that briefly saw Girona challenging with Real Madrid for the La Liga crown, but the underdogs have fallen away as the season has progressed.

However, they are still well placed to finish in the Champions League spots after a tremendous campaign and Michel has received plenty of plaudits for the work he has done with the club.

Girona are owned by the City Football Group, who wouldn't be happy with one of their managers going to Liverpool, but a move for Michel looks unlikely anyway.

8. Thomas Tuchel

There is no questioning Thomas Tuchel's pedigree, but his recent stint at Bayern Munich has put his methods, personality and tactics into the uncompromising spotlight.

Bayern have been woeful by their own lofty standards this term, even with the likes of Harry Kane, Jamal Musiala and Manuel Neuer in their ranks.

They look set to lose the Bundesliga title for the first time since 2012 (to Klopp's Borussia Dortmund) and their only chance of silverware is the Champions League, with continental success looking unlikely too.

Bayern's performances have been so uninspiring that Tuchel will actually leave Die Roten at the end of the current campaign, which would make appointing the German cost-effective.

However, the former Chelsea boss tends to have a short lifespan wherever he ends up and he's perhaps too pragmatic as a coach to be welcomed into the Anfield dugout.

Reports in the press suggest he's angling for a return to England, but Anfield seems an improbable home.

7. Gary O'Neil

Gary O'Neil has worked wonders at Wolves after being given the job just days before the start of this season, with the Old Gold having defied expectations to avoid being sucked into a relegation battle.

Harshly sacked at Bournemouth, O'Neil is one of the most promising English coaches out there at present, and he has been tentatively linked with some big jobs this summer.

However, there is nothing concrete suggesting that Liverpool are interested in the Wolves boss, and his lack of experience at the elite level would be hugely concerning.

He is also not known for a particularly attractive brand of football, instead operating as a more pragmatic coach.

6. Thiago Motta

Thiago Motta was an incredible player and he is starting to look like he may be just as good a manager.

The Italian has been superb since taking over at Bologna and currently has the Serie A side placed fourth - on course to secure Champions League qualification ahead of the likes of Atalanta, Roma and Lazio.

Motta has won admirers for his easy on the eye methods and has naturally attracted interest from some of Europe's elite sides in search of a new coach.

He has been linked with the Liverpool job and ticks the boxes of being a young and exciting coach.

5. Thomas Frank

Thomas Frank's stock has fallen considerably this season, even if the Dane remains an astute tactician and impressive coach.

Without Ivan Toney, Brentford have seriously struggled, with the Englishman's return having helped the Bees resurrect their season since January.

However, Brentford are still just 15th in the table and only six points off the relegation zone, with Frank boasting no experience of overseeing operations at one of Europe's elite clubs — even if he has hinted at his own 'ambitions'.

It would be a huge risk to appoint the Brentford boss, and one that likely wouldn't work out.

4. Ange Postecoglou

Ange Postecoglou has done a very good job since arriving in English football, transforming Tottenham since making the move from Celtic last summer.

The Australian has a clear philosophy - one that aligns with Liverpool's - and he is eager to play offensive, high-risk football at every opportunity.

As a result, he has quickly endeared himself to the Spurs faithful, and boasts the kind of charm and charisma that Liverpool will miss when Klopp departs.

However, other than the fact that he is a boyhood Liverpool fan, it seems unlikely that he would surrender what he has built at Spurs, even if Liverpool did come knocking.

Recent reports back up his intention to stay put in London, too.

3. Roberto De Zerbi

The Brighton boss was quick to earn plaudits after succeeding Graham Potter in the Premier League, and he helped the Seagulls qualify for their maiden European campaign with a sixth-placed finish last season.

However, things have been tougher for the Italian this year, with Brighton having been incredibly inconsistent domestically, and it seems that recent performances have put Liverpool off a move.

De Zerbi's credentials for a big job at one of Europe's elite clubs have been called into question and it now appears that the Reds have ruled him out of the running completely.

However, new sporting director Hughes is reportedly a huge fan of the Brighton manager, even attempting to capture his signature during his days at Bournemouth.

2. Julian Nagelsmann

It's difficult to judge how well Julian Nagelsmann has done as Germany coach, especially considering he is yet to oversee a competitive fixture.

He has taken charge of just six friendlies so far ahead of this summer's European Championships, but recent victories against France and the Netherlands have offered supporters hope of a successful tournament.

Germany are, of course, hosts for the upcoming Euros, with Nagelsmann's current deal with Die Mannschaft expiring after the competition.

Nagelsmann has huge credit in the bank for the impressive jobs he did at Hoffenheim and RB Leipzig as well, while his dismissal at Bayern was extremely harsh.

At just 36, he remains a name to watch out for, even if appointing the German would be tough given his commitments for much of this summer.

1. Ruben Amorim

The Sporting CP boss is one of the most promising young managers in Europe and is now undoubtedly Liverpool's first-choice candidate to replace Klopp.

The 39-year-old helped break up the dominance of Porto and Benfica in the Primeira Liga, winning Sporting their first league title for 19 years in 2021.

Amorim looks set to repeat that impressive feat this term after helping transform the Portuguese giants and has unsurprisingly attracted interest from Liverpool - and, unfortunately, Barcelona.

After the news regarding Alonso, Liverpool will likely be intrigued by the chance of simply activating his release clause this summer to avoid any negotiations with Sporting.

The young coach has also recently admitted that he cannot guarantee that he will be the Sporting manager next season.