Ralf Rangnick a 'candidate' for top Liverpool job

Robin Bairner

• 9 Feb 2023 07:43 GMT
• 4 min read

Ralf Rangnick should be seen as "the perfect candidate" to make a shock return to the Premier League with Liverpool, the Liverpool Echo states.

Rangnick’s first experience of English football came late in 2021, when he was appointed Manchester United interim manager, but he struggled in that capacity and was ultimately allowed to leave the club in the summer when it had been expected that he would move upstairs into an advisor role that would effectively make him the sporting director.

He may get the chance to show his abilities in that position at Anfield, though, with the Reds ready to make a shock move for him.

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Julian Ward is set to depart Liverpool in the summer, with Ajax linked with a potential move for the Reds director. This will create a vacuum that needs filled.

The Echo states that Rangnick, who presently manages the Austria national football side, is unlikely to be drawn away from his present role but that he should be seen as a candidate for the post.

Although Rangnick struggled at Man Utd in a management capacity, he does hold a strong reputation in a talent identification role and is admired by Fenway Sports Group, which owns Liverpool.

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In addition to this, he and Reds boss Jurgen Klopp have similar footballing philosophies and understand what each other are trying to achieve.

On top of this, Liverpool have often raided Red Bull clubs in recent seasons for players. Naby Keita, Takumi Minamino and Sadio Mane are three players mentioned, while Rangnick reportedly recommended the signing of Ibrahima Konate to the club.

How Liverpool fans have reacted

Despite Rangnick’s troubles at Man Utd, Liverpool fans on the whole appear to be positive about the suggestion of the German taking a job upstairs at Anfield.

Any movement on this front is unlikely to come until the summer.